Christmas is one of the biggest holiday celebrations of the year, and Christmas trees have become essential symbols and components of this festive season. However, these trees come with an environmental cost. With the holidays approaching, it’s time to reconsider the relationship between Christmas trees and environmentalism.
Carbon Footprint
Education Center – Carbon Credits states that real Christmas trees have an average carbon footprint of around 8 pounds/4 kg of carbon dioxide if disposed of through a wood chipper or bonfire. However, if they end up in landfills, their carbon footprint increases four times that amount, reaching approximately 35 pounds/16 kg of carbon dioxide.
While artificial trees are made of petroleum-based plastics and metal, which can also contribute to environmental pollution, they can last up to at least 20 years. This durability makes them more eco-friendly than real trees over time.
Christmas Trees vs Consumerism
According to the National Christmas Tree Association, Christmas trees have integrated into our holiday culture, with approximately 25-30 million trees sold in the US. The high demand for Christmas trees can hurt local ecosystems. Farmers must invest a lot of resources to grow these trees in ideal conditions before they can be harvested. In areas where certain tree species aren’t native, using large amounts of water and chemicals like herbicides and pesticides to help the trees grow can harm the environment and throw off the natural balance.
Plantations of non-native trees can cause serious environmental problems and even lead to natural disasters. Our strong demand for Christmas trees strains the original ecosystems, showing the environmental costs of our desire for these holiday symbols.
Convenience and Costs
Artificial trees can be set up and taken down quickly without special equipment or expertise. You won’t have to worry about any mess associated with real trees, including fallen needles and sap stains. Additionally, unlike real trees, artificial trees are flame-resistant and safe for extended periods of use.
While the initial cost of a plastic tree may be higher than that of a real tree, the long-term savings can be significant. With proper care, an artificial tree can last many years, whereas real trees must be replaced annually, which can add up to a considerable expense.
So Why Should We Be Using Artificial Trees?
Fake Christmas trees offer a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective option. While many people assume that plastic trees are less eco-friendly, they actually have a significantly lower carbon footprint than real trees.
In addition to being better for the environment, plastic trees offer many other benefits. They are low-maintenance, reusable, and can be customized to fit any decorating style. Plus, unlike real trees, they don’t shed needles or require watering like real trees.
When considering artificial trees’ long-term environmental benefits such as cost-effectiveness, they offer a more sustainable choice for the holidays. Let’s all make the switch this season to reduce waste and help protect our planet.
