Which is Greener - Real or Fake Christmas Trees?
Are Artificial or Real Pines Better For the Environment?
Dec 11, 2008
Many people are surprised that real pines are a more environmentally-responsible Christmas tree option than an artificial one that can be kept for years. The truth is, buying a real Christmas tree each year is cleaner, less wasteful, and better for a family's health. Here are a few reasons why:
Plastic Christmas Trees Contain Dangerous Chemicals
The plastics used in artificial trees are damaging to the environment in a number of ways. Artificial trees are made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a hard plastic laced with toxic additives (including lead), well-known for giving off that “new shower curtain” smell. The production process creates a lot of pollution, and, due to its high chlorine and additive amounts, PVC is not easily recycled.
Artificial Trees Expose Children to Lead
There is also a concern about exposure to the lead in artificial trees, especially for children. A 2004 reported in the Journal of Environmental Health warns that “a significant fraction of older artificial trees are probably exposing children and adults to enough lead to be at least a noteworthy public health issue.” (“Artificial Christmas trees: how real are the lead exposure risks?”)
While newer trees are safer, parents may want to wash everyone's hands after decorating an artificial tree and limit kids' contact with the tree afterwards. Babies chewing on fronds is definitely to be avoided.
Real Christmas Trees Reduce Waste
Because they cannot be recycled, even if a family holds onto an artificial tree for ten years or more, it ultimately ends up in a landfill. Though it may seem wasteful to chop down a Christmas tree just to let it slowly wither over several weeks in the living room, it is actually an environmentally-sound option.
Farmed Christmas trees are grown specifically for that purpose, and while they are growing help clean the air by removing carbon dioxide. After performing their function during the holidays, they can be recycled into mulch. New trees are planted for the next season, and the cycle continues, producing minimal waste.
Visit Earth 911 to find a recycling center that takes trees, but don’t use tinsel or fake snow on the tree or it cannot be recycled.
For those who want to go even greener this Christmas, choose a tree farm that does not use tons of chemical pesticides. Also, check out some more ways to reduce the family’s carbon footprint and waste during the holiday season. These tips can help everyone to have a merry (and guilt-free) Christmas.
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