FAUX VS. REAL: XMAS TREE EDITION
NOT ALL TREES ARE CREATED EQUAL. SO, WHICH TREE IS THE MORE SUSTAINABLE CHOICE?
TEXT LOGAN VERLAQUE
Image via Mother Jones
We will argue that nothing can get you in the holiday spirit as much as putting up a Christmas tree, stringing it with lights, and adorning it with cherished ornaments. While some families have spent years gathering together to go out and pick their yearly tree, some even chopping it down themselves, others relish in the ease of pulling out the tried and true plastic version from storage. With our ever growing desire to expand sustainability practices, we decided to find out which is the more environmentally conscious option, faux or real?
COST considerations
In 2018, 32.8 million real Christmas trees were purchased and 23.6 million new fake trees were purchased. The average price was $75 for a real tree last year, while the average price for an artificial tree was $107. Keep in mind, artificial trees can be reused year after year, making them the overall cheaper option.
ENVIRONMENT and reusability
Some argue real trees have a larger impact on greenhouse gas emissions and water and energy use than a reused artificial tree does. The most important considerations when buying a real tree are : shop locally (minimize driving and gas usage, and contribute to the local economy) and recycle the tree when you are finished using it. Real Christmas trees are grown specifically to be used as holiday decorations. Therefore, they aren’t contributing to deforestation like one might think. Additionally, tree farmers usually plant 1-3 new trees to replace each one cut down, replenishing the tree supply and thus, continuing to generate oxygen. The tree farms are usually home to many organisms and animals, making them an ecosystem (of sorts) for local wildlife, as well.
Others argue faux trees are better for the environment as long as they are used for 5 years or more (according to the ACTA). If you choose this route, make sure the trees are produced domestically (a lot are imported from China, enlarging their carbon footprint and taking away from local production), and that they are made of Polyethylene plastic as opposed to PVC, which is highly toxic. Unfortunately, even the best plastics used for artificial trees are non-biodegradable and make the tree nearly impossible to recycle.
CLEAN-UP woes
There’s no doubt about it, cleaning up pine needles can be a pain and tree watering accidents can lead to some sloppy messes. With an artificial tree, you escape both hassles. Additionally, most artificial trees are made with flame retardant materials, making them less flammable than the real alternative.
Bottom line
The choice really is a personal one. While we conclude it is best to go for the real version (added bonus: fresh pine smell!), if you prefer faux and know you will reuse an artificial tree year after year and find the most sustainable way to dispose of it, go for it.
*Whether you choose to go for a fake tree or a real one, we recommend you use LED lights to save the amount of energy used to light up your tree.
“If a consumer wants to celebrate the holidays in a truly environmental fashion, they need to look beyond just the Christmas tree.”
Image via WFAE