Over the summer I stumbled across PlantSavers, a group whose mission it was to support the plant growers of Britain, who had been left with millions of plants at risk of going to waste, due to the restrictions of Covid-19. Three friends came together during Lockdown 1, eventually increasing to become a close-knit team of friends and family, uniting closed nurseries with the UK householders who wanted access to plants.
Now, with Lockdown 2 looming, as well as Christmas, Matt and his team have set up Green Elf Trees, and are providing jobs for musicians and members of the entertainment industry, delivering Christmas trees. Based in London, a global capital of entertainment, they’ve heard many stories about the difficulty this year finding opportunities in the entertainment sector, and it inspired them to think of ways they could help.
No artist should have to retrain; they’ve spent their lives honing their craft. But they do need money to live, and so Green Elf Trees offers an opportunity of employment for the artists of London, who ordinarily would have steady work in the lead up to, and right through the festive season. Green Elf Trees have partnered with Jadecliff, one of Britain’s finest and most reputable Christmas tree growers, who have supplied trees to The Ritz, London, The Crown Estate, The Royal Horticultural Society, and The National Trust, among many others. Jadecliff are at the forefront of innovation and modern practices of sustainability and responsibility in the Christmas Tree industry, and are a key member of the British Christmas Tree Growers Association. Every cut tree is replaced with two more, and their trees additionally provide sanctuary for wildlife, including deer, birds, and insects.
Green Elf Trees will be selling potted trees and table trees, as well as traditional cut trees, and also offer a responsible tree collection service, which will collect in January and turn them into compost, or upcycled into new, sustainable products.
Not only that, but from every purchase, a £3 donation will be made to the charity of your choice, and you’ll receive a donation certificate, outlining your contribution. And when you order a Green Elf Tree, the team will share the exclusive Green Elf Playlist of Christmas tunes and carols, as well as some of the collective works of the artists involved.
Green Elf Trees service the Greater London area, as well as neighbouring counties, and every purchase includes free delivery. The earliest delivery date is Monday 16 November, and they will continue through to Sunday December 13. Christmas tree collection is available separately, and will occur between January 2 and 7.
Find out more about Green Elf Trees on their official website. You can also check them out on Instagram. Make sure you also check out PlantSavers, for your winter gardening needs.
