Whether or not your Christmas is just like the ones you used to know, several sustainability mavens at the University of Virginia have suggestions for ways to keep your holiday as sustainable as possible.

Every year there is a clash between those favoring an artificial tree and fans of fresh-cut trees. Jeff Sitler, environmental compliance manager at the University's Office of Environmental Health and Safety, said that, while the most sustainable solution is not to have a tree, "the next would be to buy a locally grown fresh tree."

"Most of the artificial ones are made with PVC plastic and there are health concerns about polyvinyl chloride," he said. "And most artificial Christmas trees are made in China and Korea, so there is a transport issue. I don't think there are any domestic makers of artificial Christmas trees."

Jessica Wenger, environmental management systems coordinator at the Office of Environmental Health and Safety, suggested a locally grown, live tree that can be planted after Christmas. Purchasing locally made wreaths is also an option.

Once the tree is up, strings of light-emitting diode bulbs are the way to go.

"Absolutely get LED lights," said John Quale, assistant professor at the School of Architecture and ecoMOD project director. "The reduction in energy use will offset both the purchase cost and embodied environmental impact quickly if you intend to leave them on for hours at a time."

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