At TLR Coworking, we like to do things a little differently – especially when it comes to the holiday season. While many people opt for the usual artificial trees or the classic cut tree, we’ve chosen a more sustainable, fun, and community-driven tradition: a real Christmas tree with actual roots!
This living tree not only brings a touch of festive cheer into our workspace but also aligns with our core values of sustainability, well-being, and community. It’s the perfect symbol of our mission to create a workplace that’s as environmentally conscious as it is welcoming.
More Than Just a Decoration
Each year, we team up with Ishavida, a local business that specialises in eco-friendly plant solutions, to bring a tree with roots into our space. Unlike cut trees that end up in the landfill after the holidays, our tree is leased with roots, meaning it can be replanted after Christmas, keeping the circle of life – and sustainability – going strong.
“We believe that having a real tree with roots is more than just a pretty decoration – it’s a conscious choice that helps reduce waste, supports local businesses, and contributes to a greener future,” explains Sonja Breuer, founder of Ishavida.
“It’s about embracing the circular economy and giving back to the environment.”
The Team Effort Behind the Tree
Every year, the TLR team gets together to decorate the tree, ensuring it’s a true reflection of our brand and values. We love the process of working together to make the space feel festive, with the tree becoming the centrepiece of our community celebrations.
While the tree is about 1.6 metres tall, we place it on a stool to give it that majestic 2-metre height. For six weeks, it fills the space with festive spirit, and our members enjoy the aroma of fresh pine every day. It’s more than a holiday tradition – it’s a reminder of the little things that make a big difference.
For 2024, the tree is decorated in various shades of blue – a theme that reflects the year’s strong focus on ice bathing. The practice has become quite popular in the coworking space of late, with members gathering on the rooftop terrace roughly once a week to brave the icy waters of TLR’s cold plunge pool.
The Power of Nature: Psychological and Physiological Benefits
Not only does our real tree contribute to a greener planet, but it also has some surprising psychological and physiological benefits. Studies show that spending time around greenery can reduce stress, improve mood, and even boost productivity. At TLR, we’ve noticed the positive impact a bit of nature can have on our team.
“Research supports the idea that exposure to nature – whether it’s a forest or a single tree – can lead to lower cortisol levels and better focus. It’s a simple yet effective way to improve well-being, especially in a busy coworking environment,” explains Sonja.
Supporting Local and Making a Bigger Impact
By renting a tree from Ishavida, we’re not only supporting a local business that shares our values but also making a positive impact on the community. Ishavida’s commitment to sustainability aligns with our goals, helping us contribute to a better future.
“Every year, we know that the tree we’ve enjoyed will help bring more life to the earth. That’s something to celebrate,” says Ben Kolp, owner of TLR.
Smells Like Christmas Spirit
No holiday tradition is complete without a little bit of magic, and there’s something undeniably special about the scent of a real Christmas tree. The fresh pine fills the air and adds an extra layer of holiday cheer to our coworking space. It’s a sensory experience that an artificial tree just can’t replicate.
It’s the little things like this – the smell, the vibrant greenery, and the act of caring for a living tree – that make the holidays feel truly special at TLR.
A Tradition We Hope to Continue
The living tree initiative is just one of the many ways we’re incorporating sustainability into our daily lives at TLR. We’re not stopping here – our commitment to eco-friendly practices continues throughout the year, and we look forward to expanding our sustainability efforts even further in the future.
“It’s about more than just the holidays; it’s about creating a culture of sustainability and well-being that extends beyond December,” says Sonja.
So, next time you walk into TLR during the holiday season and see our beautiful tree, remember that it’s more than just a decoration – it’s a symbol of our commitment to the environment, community, and growth.
We can’t wait to continue this tradition for years to come, creating a coworking space that feels as fresh, welcoming, and eco-conscious as ever.
Happy holidays from all of us at TLR Coworking!
* To learn more about TLR and the different subscriptions on offer, go to tlr-coworking.com/subscriptions. To learn more about Ishavida, check out their website or their LinkedIn.
