The debate over whether real or artificial Christmas trees is better has been going on for decades, with many passionate supporters on both sides. In the interest of full disclosure, this author stands with both feet firmly planted in the actual tree camp. So instead of a balanced overview of the situation, you’re about to read a pro-real-tree screed with the unabashed goal of proselytizing.
First and foremost, of course, is the environmental impact of each choice. Is it worse to cut down, buy, and dispose of a live tree every year? Or would you just choose one plastic one that you keep using every year? To answer this, British Columbia Let’s break it down with some facts provided by the State Recycling Council. The Great Christmas Tree Debate.
recent Research Sponsored by Rocket Homes It found that 67.4% of Americans buy artificial Christmas trees, and 60.5% think they are more sustainable than live trees. Many variables influence the environmental impact of engineered trees; Carbon Trust estimates Artificial trees that are 7 to 20 years old have been shown to have a lower environmental impact than buying live trees every year. However, the carbon footprint of artificial trees is about 11 times that of natural trees.
artificial trees
They are mainly produced in China, Taiwan, and South Korea under lax environmental standards and poor working conditions. The main component of artificial Christmas trees is petroleum. And once manufactured, artificial trees must travel thousands of miles and burn fossil fuels all the way to reach consumers (hoo ho!).
Most artificial trees have an average lifespan of 7 to 10 years, during which time the phthalates used in their production can accumulate and damage the lungs, liver, and reproductive organs.
Artificial trees also cannot be recycled and must be burned or incinerated, potentially releasing carcinogens into the atmosphere. If sent to a landfill, the used metals and plastics can take decades or even centuries to decompose, leaving potentially toxic byproducts in the soil and groundwater.
oh yeah.
Well, what about that slightly leaning Charlie Brown tree you picked up in a sketchy tree lot that mysteriously appeared in the parking lot of your old standby, 7-Eleven?
real tree
Homegrown trees support local economies, with tens of millions of trees providing jobs year-round and during the pre-holiday season. Each acre of Christmas trees produces enough oxygen for 18 people per day. And each tree’s root system helps stabilize the local soil system and prevent water buildup.
Indeed, improper use of pesticides can have a negative impact on the surrounding natural environment. Also, leaving your Christmas tree dry can create a fire hazard. But after Christmas, the tree is 100% biodegradable and recyclable. Many municipalities have Christmas tree recycling programs that turn old trees into mulch and wood chips for garden beds that nourish the soil.
So if you want to improve your environmental impact, live trees are definitely a winner.
But there’s another factor that definitely pushes the real tree to the gold medal spot for this Christmas lover. As you know, a close runner-up to the economic and environmental considerations of real trees is simple wood. tradition Kotono. That is, it is not simply walk to the attic Remove the entire Christmas tree from the crumpled cardboard box Lighted up! Where are the traditions that build happy memories?
Some of my fondest Christmas memories are standing in a freezing cold parking lot with my five siblings and exhausted parents, walking around in a circle as it gets darker and darker, walking home to the house. I was about to come to an agreement on a poor specimen to take home with me. While my sisters always coveted the anemic-looking shrub, my brother and I rallied for the eight-foot-tall monster. Let me tell you, I will always treasure the memory of my parents arguing in a parking lot in the woods, my father throwing more and more fits in anger over the price tag, and my toes slowly freezing. .
now it is How is it done? Merry Christmas!
Want to know more Christmas tree options? Read 4 Ways to Create the Lushest Christmas Tree
Editor’s note: This article was first published on December 1, 2014 and updated in November 2024.
