The Christmas Tree Debate!

Christmas Tree Debate Real or Plastic?

Over the years I’ve heard so many comments about what is considered the eco thing to do when it comes to buying Christmas Trees.  Some have commented that real trees, cut down trees and therefore it is much Greener to have an artificial tree.  Some say it is much Greener to have a Real Tree!
Here are some facts to help you decide:
Plastic trees last longer, yes, but they also will eventually end up in the landfill and take over 500 years to decompose.  The carbon footprint of the production of a plastic tree and the toxins it produces to make them are of real concern.
  • Artificial trees are made of PVC a toxic plastic which off gas toxic chemicals
  • Artificial trees are non recyclable and non biodegradable
  • Artificial trees are made of petroleum and metal and have a high carbon footprint
  • Artificial trees are cleaner and less messy and maybe the choice with people with tree allergies
33 million live trees are sold in the US every year.  This benefits local tree farmers and helps the environment. Most trees take up to 16 years to harvest.  These trees are re-planted, from seeds, which keeps the cycle of trees constantly going.  Live trees biodegrade much faster.  I suggest getting your tree locally and driving as close as you can get the tree to avoid the carbon footprint of emissions.
  • One single tree absorbs 1 ton of carbon emissions in it’s life time.
  • Live Christmas trees are a sustainable product, they are replanted / replaced each year.
  • Live Trees employ over 100,000 Americans
  • Live Trees can be mulched, used for landscaping, gardening or erosion control
  • Live trees can have an impact on the environment if pesticides are used to grow them
  • Live trees can be purchased with a bulb and replanted for next Christmas
  • Live trees need to be discarded outside of a landfill, landfills don’t provide enough oxygen for decomposition

The best option for live trees would be a chemical free tree or an organically grown tree that is locally grown. If you must purchase a artificial tree search and see if you can find one that is used. It has less off-gassing and is much better for the environment because new ones don’ t have to be made. Until which time food grade plastic trees or other sustainable fiber trees can be made, our vote is on a live Christmas tree! They have a wonderful aroma too! Enjoy your holidays!

Shop Green this Holiday Season with Pumpkin Doodle!