Baguio City’s stained-glass-inspired Christmas tree atop Session Road continues to capture the admiration of locals and tourists alike. Standing 14 meters tall, crafted from fiberglass and steel, and costing P1.5 million, it embodies the city’s Christmas theme of “Faith, Hope, and Love.”
It’s undeniably beautiful—a symbol of unity and festivity. But what happens to this grand creation after the holidays?
This concern is not limited to the tree. Events like the New Year’s Eve countdown at Melvin Jones with its fireworks display and Burnham Park’s Rose Garden hosting food stalls highlight a growing disconnect between celebrating in grandeur and adhering to sustainability principles.
Perhaps it’s worth rethinking what we’re doing and adopting an “Eco Before Ego” mindset, where the environment is prioritized over fleeting displays of extravagance.
The environmental cost of celebrations
Once dismantled, where will the fiberglass and steel structure of the Christmas tree end up? Without proper recycling plans, such materials risk being discarded or improperly stored, adding to Baguio’s growing waste problem. The energy-intensive production of these materials also leaves behind a significant carbon footprint.
Fireworks may light up the sky, but they also pollute the air and soil. They release particulate matter and toxic chemicals that harm respiratory health and contaminate the environment. In a city like Baguio, known for its fresh mountain air, this is a concerning contradiction, especially since the city government has been very vocal about its sustainability goals.
Burnham Park’s Rose Garden, intended as a serene green haven, has now been overrun with food stalls and commercial activity. While this generates income, it compromises the park’s ecosystem. Heavy foot traffic, littering, and soil compaction can damage the delicate balance of the area, diminishing its long-term ecological value.
Aligning celebrations with sustainability
The challenge lies in balancing celebrations with environmental stewardship. Here’s how Baguio can lead the way:
- Repurposing the Christmas Tree: Instead of discarding the tree after the holidays, consider reusing its materials. The fiberglass panels could be transformed into public art installations or used in schools for creative projects, or donated to a church. The steel framework could be repurposed for future seasonal displays or community structures. Incorporating modular designs in future Christmas trees could make dismantling and repurposing more straightforward.
- Rethinking Fireworks: Replace traditional fireworks with eco-friendly alternatives such as drone light shows or laser displays. These modern options create stunning visuals without polluting the air or harming the environment. Cities worldwide, including Sydney and Shanghai, have already embraced these innovations, proving that sustainability and spectacle can go hand in hand.
- Protecting Burnham Park’s Rose Garden: To preserve the Rose Garden’s tranquility and ecological function, the city should limit commercial activities within park grounds. Food stalls and vendors could be limited to the night market section outside the park. This would reduce environmental strain on the park while still supporting local businesses.
Why eco before ego matters
The Baguio city government announced its aspirations for sustainability more than once, but it must reconcile public events with its environmental goals. Grand celebrations, while inspiring, often come at a high ecological cost.
Adopting an “Eco Before Ego” perspective not only protects the city’s natural resources but also sets an example for future generations.
By prioritizing eco-friendly alternatives and sustainable practices, Baguio can reduce its carbon footprint and minimize waste. This ensures that the city’s beauty and resources endure for years to come.
The themes of “Faith, Hope, and Love” embodied by the Christmas tree align closely with environmental stewardship. True love for the city and its people includes protecting its natural environment and ensuring its livability.
As a tourist destination, Baguio has the unique opportunity to inspire other cities and visitors by integrating sustainability into its celebrations. By doing so, it reinforces its identity as a green city that values both nature and culture.
Baguio’s leadership and residents must work together to redefine what it means to celebrate. By focusing on sustainable practices, the city can host events that bring joy without harming the environment.
The stained-glass Christmas tree reminds us of the season’s deeper meaning—hope and renewal. Let this reminder extend to how we treat our city and its natural resources.
