I haven’t made my Christmas tree choices according to environmental impact, partly because there seem to be studies supporting both sides… and also because there are so many other choices we make with far greater impact. Partly, I choose to buy a real tree because it supports local industry, rather than buying a mass-produced thing that probably came from far away. But if I’m honest, it’s mainly about aesthetics.
When considering the impact of the tree purchase, think about the materials used, how they are processed, how much fuel was involved in moving materials and the final product to where you bought it, and what will happen to its components when you eventually toss it into a landfill.
From a recent article that cites a couple of studies talking about such impacts:
“In 2009 an independent study by Quebec-based Ellipsos found that fake trees are generally made of a synthetic resin called polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, which can produce carcinogens during manufacturing and disposal.
An artificial tree with a life span of six years is three times worse for climate change, resource depletion and human health than a natural tree, the study found.
Natural trees, however, are four times worse for ecosystem quality, because real trees often require fertilizers and pesticides, according to the study.”
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“Ultimately, the greenest option is to buy a tree from a local tree farm, according to research.”