We were asked recently whether it was better for the planet to buy a live Christmas tree or to invest in a fake one. Great question that led us to do some research for any of you who might be interested (we just drape lights over some willow branches that live in the living room year round…).
The bottom line is that it is better to go with the live, real Christmas tree. Fake trees are made from non-renewable resources like plastic and metal. In fact, most fake trees are made from PVC which can release toxins into your household, including lead dust which can be highly toxic. Also, although they may last about six to ten years, ultimately they will end up in a landfill leaching chemicals into our ground and water systems.
So, even though the mess of pine needles and the hassle of watering your tree may be a barrier to getting a live tree, the benefits far outweigh the negatives. A few things to keep in mind about your real tree:
- Try to buy a tree from a small, local producer to mitigate the impact of long haul transportation
- Check with your municipality to find out how they dispose of live trees: ideally your tree ends up being chipped and used as compost rather than going into a landfill
- And if you are really committed to being eco-friendly, consider buying a tree with a live root ball and replanting it in your garden or yard after the holiday season
Green byte: A one acre Christmas tree plantation can remove up to 13,000 kg of airborne pollutants per year.
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