China’s giant plastic Christmas tree makes a stand for environmental awareness

A giant Christmas tree built from over 50,000 used plastics containers has been erected outside a shopping mall in China.

The 100ft display is located outside a precinct in the city of Chongqing in the South West of the country and is thought to be a way of reminding residents of the importance of the environment.

The tree, which first made an appearance ten years ago, is particularly poignant following the large amount of pollution seen in China in recent weeks.

The first ‘red’ smog alert was issued in Beijing on 7 December, this is the highest rating for air pollution and advises residents to stay indoors and avoid going outside without the use of a mask.

Although China does not officially celebrate Christmas as a holiday, some treat it as a shopping event and therefore centres and department stores place decorative trees outside to attract attention.