There are benefits and disadvantages to both real and artificial Christmas trees. The question is which is more sustainable. A few things to consider when making this decision: 1) How far did the tree have to travel to get to you? 2) How much energy went into making/growing the tree? 3) How long will the tree last?
Support Your Local Economy
Consider this, when you buy a real tree - where did it come from? It likely came from a local Christmas tree farm (something to ask the sales person), or you may be going to the farm to pick one out and so you will know exactly where it came from. There are a few benefits to getting a locally grown tree. When you buy local goods you are adding to your local economy by investing in it. You see the returns in sales tax and the income from from the farmer will enter the spending cycle which further boosts the economy.
Carbon Footprint
A tree farm will use machinery to prepare the soil, plant the tree, dig it up, and wrap it in netting. All these things use fuel and add to the atmospheric CO2, although the O2 that is produced by the trees during their short lifespan offsets this environmental cost somewhat.
The Ten Year Promise
A study by the American Christmas Tree Association suggests that artificial trees have a smaller carbon footprint than getting a real tree each year...so what's the catch?...you must keep the artificial tree for ten years! So if you already have an artificial tree a good option might be to just use that tree as long as it lasts. If you are going to buy an artificial tree this year make sure it's a good one, because it's going to need to last a long, long time.
PVC's and Lead
If you have children or pets you should be concerned about the health implications of having artificial substances in the house. The Children's Health Environmental Coalition has a warning about the potential carcinogenic implications associated with artificial trees. Be aware of this and contact the company before purchase to determine what the tree is made of.
There is an article on TreeHugger about "How To: Pick a Green Christmas Tree" that gives ideas on what to look for when shopping and what to do with the tree when you are done for the season. Check out the Ohio Christmas Tree Association to find a farm in Ohio.
1 comment:
Eww, I don't want an artificial tree in my house now. My kitty is always chewing on the branches. I think I'll get a real one and try to plant it in the spring.
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