Which Christmas tree offers the greatest sustainability: a genuine one or a manufactured one? Making the right decision when purchasing a holiday tree.
Sustainable Choices for Your Christmas Tree
Every year, the question of whether to opt for a real or artificial Christmas tree becomes a topic of discussion. Both options come with their own set of environmental impacts, and making an informed decision can help minimize these effects.
Real Christmas Trees
When you purchase a real Christmas tree, it's not just for the holiday season. Once the tree is cut down, a new seedling is planted in its place, providing a home for wildlife during its growth period, particularly birds. These trees are treated like a crop and are not felled from existing forests. In fact, a real Christmas tree absorbs carbon from the atmosphere and can take around 10 years to grow to a height of six feet.
For responsible disposal, real Christmas trees can be recycled through composting programs or chipped into mulch, which returns nutrients to the soil. If you have limited outdoor space, consider renting a real container-grown Christmas tree, which can spend most of the year outdoors and be reused year after year.
Artificial Christmas Trees
On the other hand, most artificial Christmas trees are made in China and have a high carbon footprint due to their production and shipping. However, if you're planning to use an artificial tree for seven or more years, its upfront environmental footprint can be offset over extended reuse.
When these trees reach the end of their life, they should be disposed of according to local recycling guidelines if available. Many cannot be recycled easily and might need to go to landfill, which produces methane gas, a harmful byproduct.
Sustainable Practices
Regardless of your choice, it's essential to consider the impact of your decisions. Buying a local Christmas tree can reduce transportation-related carbon emissions. The majority of real Christmas trees bought in the UK are grown in dedicated fields and on Christmas tree farms.
Avoid wrapping a cut Christmas tree in plastic mesh, as it adds to its carbon footprint. Instead, opt for a pot-grown or container-grown tree, which can be reused year after year, making it a sustainable option.
The British Christmas Tree Growers Association suggests that arable land used for Christmas tree farming could arguably be put to better use, such as growing food or creating native woodland. However, the renewable nature and biodegradability of real trees make them a more eco-friendly choice if you prefer to purchase a fresh-cut one every year.
If an artificial tree is still preferred, sourcing it carefully and using it for as many years as possible is advised. Recycling or passing on an artificial tree can extend its lifespan.
In conclusion, the most sustainable option for a Christmas tree depends on usage and disposal practices. Choose a real tree if you prioritize natural biodegradability and local recycling options, or opt for an artificial tree if you commit to reusing it for many years to reduce overall impact. For disposal, use local compost or mulch programs for real trees and seek recycling options or reuse for artificial ones.
[1] Source: British Christmas Tree Growers Association
- By choosing a real Christmas tree, you're supporting the environment as it absorbs carbon and provides a home for wildlife during its growth period, making it a suitable option for home-and-garden sustainable living.
- For a home that appreciates gardens and promotes a sustainable lifestyle, consider using an artificial Christmas tree only if you plan to use it for seven or more years to offset its high carbon footprint due to production and shipping.
- To ensure an eco-friendly Christmas, remember to recycle or compost real Christmas trees properly for their nutrients to return to the soil, and to properly dispose of artificial trees following local recycling guidelines to minimize methane gas production in landfills.
