The holiday tree revolution: real vs fake
Spread festive joy by making Earth-friendly decisions
Every year, people across the world decide whether to buy a real or fake Christmas tree. While artificial trees are convenient and look great, there are several reasons why real trees are the better choice.
Are Christmas trees really ‘green’?
For starters, real trees are more environmentally friendly. Artificial trees are made from plastic and metal, both of which require a significant amount of energy to produce. They also contain toxic chemicals and are not biodegradable, meaning they will sit in a landfill for centuries. Real Christmas trees are grown in sustainable forests, are biodegradable, and will eventually decompose. The ones that aren’t replanted can be repurposed for firewood.
Doing the environment a favour comes with some catches. Real Christmas trees are heavier, more expensive, and messier than regular cut trees. Going this route requires more attention, and preparation to replant the tree as soon as possible. Trees require pesticides which are not ideal for the environment.
If you reuse an artificial tree the environmental impact tips in its favour. The tipping point is believed to be after 6 to 9 years but it’s recommended you reuse your tree for 10 to 20 years.
Other eco-friendly Christmas tree options
If ordering a real Christmas tree is out of the question, consider these alternatives that will help keep your carbon footprint small.
Wooden Christmas trees
These trees are made from real, sustainably-sourced wood, are environmentally friendly, and reduce deforestation.
An example is this beautiful rustic wooden tree.
Another example of a wooden tree.
Wooden Christmas trees are often made from a variety of woods, including pine, fir, and birch, to give them a unique and natural look. They can be painted in festive colors or left in their natural state, making them perfect for any style of decor. They can be used indoors or outdoors, and customized any way you like. Plus they are incredibly easy to clean with a quick dusting.
Thrift an artificial tree
On the other hand, when you thrift an artificial Christmas tree, you are reducing your ecological footprint and reusing something that already exists.
Thrifting a tree also has economic benefits. Buying a real tree requires a one-time purchase that can be costly, while thrifting is much less expensive. You can find pre-owned artificial trees in many second-hand stores, or even online.
There are also practical benefits. Artificial trees are easy to assemble and take down, and last for many years. This means you don’t have to worry about disposal or replacing it next season.
DIY Christmas tree
Not only is this a fun and creative project to do with the family, but it can also save you money and be a great conversation starter.
To build the outline of your tree you can use any material you have on hand, such as cardboard, pipe cleaners, yarn, fabric, or even popsicle sticks. You can use paint or markers to add color and decorations as well.
Once you have the shape of your tree, you can start to decorate. For example, you can use pipe cleaners to create a festive garland or yarn to create an interesting texture. You can also use fabric or string to create ornaments as well as various items from around your house to create a unique look.
After your tree is complete, you can take it outside and hang it up as decoration or place it in your window as a festive display.
The most eco-friendly option of all
Out of all the Christmas tree options, buying a live tree is the most eco-friendly.
Most companies that offer live Christmas trees with the rootball still intact will deliver the tree to your home, and then come back to pick it up after the holidays. This means you get the same experience of having a real Christmas tree, but without the mess or the cleanup.
The benefits go beyond just convenience. These trees are more environmentally friendly and cost-effective, as they can be replanted after the holiday season and used again in years to come.
Real tree delivery?
Christmas tree delivery services offer the convenience of shopping from home. Customers can browse a wide selection of trees online with different sizes and varieties. The most popular are Scotch pine, Douglas fir, and white pine. Sizes range from small tabletop trees to large, full-sized ones with varying prices. Most delivery services bring the tree directly to your front door. This eliminates the hassle of searching for the right tree, loading it onto your car, and hauling it home.
When it comes to caring for a live tree, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure to keep the rootball moist by watering it every day. This will ensure it stays healthy and vibrant. Second, take extra care when decorating the tree, as the rootball can be damaged by ornaments or lights. Finally, keep the tree away from any heat sources such as fireplaces or radiators, as this could dry out the rootball and cause the tree to become unhealthy.
Here is a list of Christmas tree delivery services to make your holidays convenient and eco-friendly.
With the right care and attention, your tree will last throughout the holiday season.