Now that we have entered December, many families will be putting up Christmas trees in the next week or two as part of their Christmas celebrations. With a variety of both real trees and artificial trees available the right choice can depend on a variety of personal circumstances. For families trying to be eco-friendly for the holidays, the question is often asked…which is more eco-friendly real trees or artificial trees?
The answer may be surprising for some, but the truth is that the most eco-friendly Christmas tree option is to buy a real tree instead of an artificial one.
While it seems logical to presume that artificial trees are the best choice, given that they are used several times instead of just once by digging deeper into the manufacturing process, you soon realize the eco-disadvantages. Artificial trees are made with polyvinyl chloride (or PVC) which is one of the most environmentally offensive forms of non-renewable, petroleum-derived plastic.
From a health perspective the manufacture of PVC has been known to produce several known carcinogens such as dioxin, ethylene dichloride and vinyl chloride. These carcinogens often work their way into communities and various forms of cancer have been associated with them as well. About 85% of all artificial trees sold in North America are made in China, Korea or Taiwan where environmental protections are far less rigid than in North America.
Fake trees can also contain lead and other additives, which is used to make PVC more malleable. This also creates health concerns since many of these additives have been linked to liver, kidney, neurological and reproductive system damage in lab studies on animals.
When it comes time to eventually replace an artificial tree, they cannot be recycled. Instead they will be taken to landfill where they never break down and take up scarce landfill space which has increasingly become a more significant problem globally.
By comparison real trees are farmed and considered an agricultural resource, just like other farmed and agricultural products we rely upon for food. Christmas trees are grown on farms using sustainable practices and are harvested on a regular basis. Christmas trees are not killed as many would suggest and Christmas trees are not cut down from forests where trees were always meant to be.
Real Christmas trees are also farmed on land that is usually not suitable for other crops and instead of leaving the land vacant, the trees planted and grown there stabilize soil, protect water supplies and provide refuge for wildlife while creating scenic green belts. Typical with all other trees, Christmas trees provide a valuable service to our atmosphere too as they absorb carbon dioxide and other gases while emitting oxygen. It’s been estimated that one acre of Christmas trees produces the daily oxygen requirements for 18 people.
Once a tree is chopped down, seedlings are planted to replace it. Often three seedlings are planted for every one tree harvested. When a real tree is removed from a home after Christmas, municipalities then collect them to be fully recycled. Christmas trees will be converted to mulch or wood chips leaving virtually no residual waste.
The selection of real trees often provide economic benefits locally. By visiting a local tree farm to select a tree for example, you support the efforts of local farmers. Furthermore by visiting a local tree farm you reduce the harmful impacts of having trees transported via tractor trailers from across the country.
Lastly, visiting a tree farm to select and harvest a tree yourself can be an incredibly fun family activity. Most farms offer wagon rides to the fields and usually offer things like hot chocolate or cider for families when they get back. It’s a great experience to be out in the fields with your family looking for just the right tree, and it provides some excercise while getting in some fresh air in the process. I find it’s almost magical to be out on a tree farm during a snowfall and my family members all agree.
So there you go! If making responsible and eco-friendly choices are important to you during this holiday season, a real tree as opposed to an artificial tree is the best choice – and one that offers many more residual benefits as well. Have fun and have a Merry Eco-Christmas!
Save your excuses. When we farm rats for lab experiments you guys freak out. When we farm animals for food and food products you say its cruel. Whats the difference? You farm trees and then chop them down and kill them to make your house look pretty for not even a month, most people a couple weeks. Trees are living things too and should not be killed unless used for survival or more nessesary reasons.
Thanks for your comments. “You guys”?? I’m not a vegetarian and I understand that using rats has legitimate purposes within certain constraints, so best not to cast your brush stroke too wide. All opinions are welcomed, including yours so thanks once again.
Very interesting read, for sure. I still struggle with the decision, given we try to live as environmentally as possible (hey, I was the one who introduced you to stainless steel straws, remember?
But last time we had a Christmas with a real tree, my son’s asthma kicked in within 24 hours, and it was so severe, we were nebulizing him straight away, and then and had him in the ER within 2 days. Not a fun way to spend Christmas. Since that year, we use an artificial tree. 
At least it’s the same one since (7 years – we bought an expensive, quality tree, although I have no idea how environmentally-friendly it is).
Thanks Angela, and yes I remember those straws! The right decision is often never a simple black or white decision. Your desire to get a real tree runs in direct conflict with the health concerns of your son. While ultimately you need to purchase an artificial tree, I think it’s great that you still have given the situation a lot of thought. I also know that with an approach to environmental stewardship such as yours, any setbacks will certainly be offset by other decisions you make to live a more sustainable lifestyle. It’s never about perfection, but rather about progress.
Thanks again!
very very interesting read. thanks for the info!
My pleasure, Jessica! I’m glad you found the article helpful.