Real Vs. Fake Christmas Trees – Which is the “green” choice?
November 6th, 2007Whether to buy an artificial Christmas tree, or a real one, has long been a subject of debate among conservationists and the American consumer. There are both positive and negative sides to each choice, so consider the following when deciding what you should do:
As for the positive side of artificial trees -
- It is a one-time purchase – you will not have to spend a fortune every year for a Christmas tree. Fact – many artificial Christmas tree owners keep their tree for 20 years or more (saving 20 or more real trees).
- You won’t waste gas driving around to find the perfect tree to buy every year.
- You can leave your tree up longer, since it does not need water and it will not dry out.
- The right tree is less of a fire hazard.
- You will not have to continually vacuum up pine needles.
Now for the bad-
- The first artificial brush-styled trees were created in the 1930s by the Addis Brush Company, known for making toilet brushes. They even used the same machinery. Over-sized toilet brushes…..great.
- Today, more than 80% of artificial trees in the United States are imported from China. Statistics from the U.S. Commerce Department show that almost 10 million fake trees were sold worldwide in 2003.
- In 2004, the USDA quarantined some artificial trees (those from China which had a wooden center pole) due to a potentially harmful beetle.
- Most fake trees are made from non-recyclable PVC (polyvinyl chloride), metals and plastics, some of which contain lead – a subject of controvercy recently regarding children’s health (toy related). Environmentally speaking, pvc creates and disperses dioxins, one of the most toxic man-made chemicals that is a potential health risk. With all of the eco-friendly products being developed, you would think someone has come up with an environmentally friendly artificial Christmas tree by now!
The good points to a real tree -
- They are attractive and give you house that Christmas time smell.
- Real Christmas trees absorb carbon dioxide and emit fresh oxygen, helping to prevent the global warming.
- You can be eco-friendly by recyling the tree (chipping it up to be turned back into the soil).
- If you buy a live tree with roots, you can plant it outside after the holidays – that is, if you live in the right climate.
Now the negatives -
- You are cutting down a live tree.
- It can take time to find just the right one – one that has a straight trunk, not too bushy or full, or lopsided in shape.
- When they get too dry, they become a fire hazard
- They have to be continually watered.
- Vacuuming pine needles can become a real chore.
- The smell of a real tree is nice, however it may bother some Some people who suffer from allergies.
- Although real trees can be “recycled” many people won’t do it and it will end up in landfills. Just think about how many people still do not recycle bottles, cans and plastic.
- Many tree farmers use harmful pesticides and other chemicals. Yes you can try to find an organic grower, but you will pay a price. Unless you happen to live in an area that has local tree farms, you will be supporting the trucking of real trees and the pollution that goes along with that.
Christmas trees are a tradition for most families, so going without one is usually not an option. From an environmental standpoint, it seems that real is the way to go, as long as you select them with care and discard it properly. However, if you already own an artificial tree, it would be senseless to throw it away. If you still want to get rid of it, consider donating the tree instead. There are many people who cannot afford any type of tree at all and would be grateful to receive one for free – check with local churches and charities before tossing it into the trash.
Will have lots of things to share, when I return!