The spirit of Yuletide comes with an inherent sense of exchanging gifts. Although we make the most of traditional Christmas trees as part of ours Christmas decorations, we think little of what we take from nature in this process. And that’s why this church in Bengaluru tends to revel in the festive spirit by returning to nature (or at least sparing it from the wrath of extraction) through the process of recycling.
Every year, members of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church in Bengaluru create Christmas trees using environmentally friendly materials. Following this tradition, this year they chose CD and bamboo strips as the primary material for their 25-foot tree.
Discarded CDs and bamboo strips were used to make this Christmas tree at Mar Thoma Syrian Church in Bangalore. (Express photo by Jithendra M)
For more than a decade, the church has used only recyclable materials in its festive decorations. By using organic and locally sourced products, it aims to spread the message of sustainability.
“Although being environmentally friendly has been a topic of discussion worldwide, the idea struck us when we were talking about how to get Christmas decorations. Instead of buying a tree and decorating it, we decided to make from scratch,” said Daniel Thomas, head of the Christmas decoration team.
Junk items such as old video tapes, used plastic bottles and cardboard boxes have found a place in Christmas tree decorations and other decorations in church premises over the years.
However, every constructive creation must overcome a series of obstacles; making this eco-friendly tree was no different. “This year we used a pulley to mount the tree. Soon after, he fell. This was a week before the celebrations started. We had to put it back together as quickly as possible,” he said.
The members of the church worked consistently in the preparation of this tree. They started assembling the entire structure more than a month before the Christmas celebrations, Thomas concluded.
📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don’t miss the latest news!
