DENR appeals to public: Don’t decorate trees with Christmas lights

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) has advised the public not to drape Christmas lights on trees as it may pose dangers to the environment.

In a post on its Facebook page on November 20, the DENR-NCR said decorating trees with Christmas lights may lead to possible accidents such as fires, as well as destruction of urban greenery.

“Ang pagbalot ng ilaw sa puno ay maaring makasakal sa mga sanga at puno,” the DENR-NCR said. 

(Wrapping the tree with lights may choke the branches and the tree.) 

“Dumidikit ang mga wires at plastik, na maaring magdulot ng sugat sa puno at posibleng maging daan ng impeksyon o pagkamatay nito.”

(The wires and plastic stick to the tree, which may cause wounds to the tree and possibly lead to infection or its death.) 

The DENR-NCR added that the illumination coming from Christmas lights may affect the natural activities of animals that have made the trees their home.

“Ang liwanag mula sa Christmas lights ay maaring makagulo sa natural na aktibidad ng mga ibon, insekto, at iba pang hayop na umaasa sa puno bilang tahanan,” it added.

(The brightness of Christmas lights may disrupt the natural activity of birds, insects, and other animals that rely on the tree as a home.) 

Earlier, the Department Trade and Industry (DTI) reminded consumers to purchase only certified and quality-assured Christmas lights to avoid any fire and electrical hazards due to substandard products. — JMA, GMA Integrated News