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How Many Years Should You Use Your Artificial Christmas Tree to Be Eco-Friendly?

Elizabeth Carter3 min read
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How Many Years Should You Use Your Artificial Christmas Tree to Be Eco-Friendly? — Household
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Artificial Tree vs. Real Tree

Artificial Tree vs. Real Tree
At first glance, an artificial tree might seem like a smart choice, but there are some important facts to consider. Artificial trees are made of plastic, which, as we know, doesn’t break down easily—at least not within a human lifetime. Most artificial trees are made from PVC, which is even harder to recycle than typical plastics, and recycling plastic is already a tough challenge. Plus, you can’t just toss an old artificial tree in the trash as is. The plastic needles are attached to a metal frame, meaning the plastic would need to be stripped off first—a step many eco-conscious people aren’t willing to take, let alone others. It’s also true that producing plastic releases harmful, potentially carcinogenic substances that affect both workers and the environment. Another downside is that most artificial trees are made in Asia, so their ecological footprint includes the environmental impact and energy use from shipping. After all this, you might feel there’s little to recommend artificial trees—but we’ll show you another side too.

Is a Cut Real Tree Really the Better Choice?

Is a Cut Real Tree Really the Better Choice?
For many, bringing a cut tree indoors feels sad, but the truth is these trees aren’t chopped down from wild forests. They’re grown on farms dedicated to this purpose—just like flowers grown for bouquets. The difference is that Christmas trees take longer to grow, usually 5 to 10 years, before they’re ready to be cut. One clear plus for real trees is that their production isn’t highly polluting. Since they’re hardy plants, they’re often grown on land that can’t be used for much else. While alive, these trees provide a home for wildlife and, like other green plants, absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Farmers have a vested interest in selling fresh trees every year, so they replant new ones to replace those cut down. Last but not least, most Christmas trees sold locally come from within the country, which means their transportation has a smaller environmental impact. (Of course, imported trees are also available, so if you want to be sure, ask your seller.)

How Big Is the Difference?

How Big Is the Difference?
Even though we haven’t really found reasons against real trees, time works against us. Growing, transporting, and disposing of a real tree all have environmental impacts. Studies show that if you use an artificial tree for at least 15 to 20 years, its ecological footprint equals that of buying a real tree every year. So, if you keep your artificial tree beyond that period, your holiday celebrations will have a smaller environmental impact than buying a fresh cut tree annually. That means choosing a high-quality artificial tree that can handle being set up and packed away year after year, so you can enjoy it for decades. And if you want to minimize your footprint even more, there are alternatives: potted trees with soil, DIY trees made from recycled materials, or even festive arrangements of pine branches in a vase can beautifully capture the holiday spirit.
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