The decision between genuine and artificial Christmas trees usually comes down to personal preference. Convenience, longevity, and long-term cost savings are some of the reasons why more and more people are purchasing artificial Christmas trees, but the fact that they are made of non-biodegradable materials like PVC raises environmental concerns. A living tree, on the other hand, can be a more sustainable and eco-friendly option and offers a more genuine experience. [1]
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to selecting a more environmentally friendly Christmas tree, and there are a number of important considerations that we will explore in this article.
Figure 1: A Girl Putting A Christmas Star On A Christmas Tree. [2]
Artificial Christmas trees
According to The Carbon Trust, an artificial Christmas tree might be a better choice than purchasing a real, commercially farmed tree every year, if cutting carbon emissions is your top priority. However, depending on its size and the materials used to manufacture them, you would need to reuse it annually for at least seven years and possibly up to twenty years for this to be true. [3]
Artificial Christmas trees can be troublesome in terms of waste as the materials used to make fake trees are petroleum-based and non-renewable polymers. After a few years of use, they wind up in landfills and cost five times as much energy to make. In reality, a 6.5-foot artificial tree emits roughly 40 kg of greenhouse gases, which is more than twice as much as a genuine tree that is thrown away. Therefore, it makes sense to get the highest quality tree you can afford and to keep it for as long as possible if you decide to fake it. [4]
If you do want rid of your artificial tree, try to find a local charity store that will take it. If it is resold, it will have a longer lifespan. You should also consider the manufacturing location, as its carbon footprint will increase if it was sent from the opposite side of the globe due to transportation-related emissions. [5]
Are there any artificial Christmas trees that are eco-friendly?
Although finding a non-toxic, PVC-free artificial Christmas tree is difficult, some are made from recycled PVC, making them a better option for people buying their first artificial tree or replacing a worn-out one. This ensures that the artificial Christmas tree is more ecologically friendly. Even though there aren’t many options currently on the market, locally produced alternatives reduce the amount of fossil fuels used for transportation. Therefore, when searching for an eco-friendly fake, it’s a good idea to do your homework and find a local maker, not simply a supplier. [6]
Real Christmas trees
If you purchase a real Christmas tree every year, you should ideally look for one that has been produced locally and slowly, without the use of artificial fertilisers. In terms of the environment, choosing a tree certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is also a preferable option as it indicates that the woodland in which it was grown has been managed more sustainably. All of Forestry England’s Norway spruce trees are grown in Britain and certified by the FSC, the organisation has Christmas tree sale locations all around the country. Selecting a tree with a Grown in Britain certification can assist in preserving that country’s forests and lessen the chance that undesirable pests will spread there. [7]
There are more ways to make your Christmas tree sustainable besides making sure you’re purchasing it from a source that practices ethics. Christmas trees can be disposed of in environmentally friendly ways, and there are additional steps you can take to make sure your tree is as near to being a zero-waste tree as possible.
Figure 2: Woman in Black Coat and Blue Denim Jeans Standing Near Tree on Snow Covered Ground. [8]
What’s the most eco-friendly way to get rid of a real tree after Christmas?
Regardless of the kind of tree you select, it is your responsibility to first prevent the need to dispose of it altogether and then, when necessary, to do it in an appropriate manner.
Replanting:
If you wish to keep your tree after Christmas, get one that has been root-balled, or cultivated in a container. Treat your tree the same way you would any other potted plant in your house while it is decorated. Keep it away from radiators and water it frequently. Potted trees can consume up to one pint of water every day, and watering them keeps their needles in place. Repot the tree in a bigger pot when Christmas is over. You will then have a ready-made tree for the next year. [9]
Burning:
As it grows, a real tree takes up carbon from the atmosphere. If you can properly burn a chopped tree at the end of the holiday season, the stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere, so the tree hasn’t increased the quantity of carbon in the atmosphere.
Chipping:
Another technique to get rid of a cut tree is to chip it and disperse it across the garden. According to the Carbon Trust, this can cut its entire carbon impact by up to 80%.
Recycling:
If you can’t dispose of a real, cut Christmas tree by either burning or chipping it yourself, take it to a recycling drop-off point. Use the “Recycle Now Local Recycling” search tool to find a recycling facility in your area that takes real Christmas trees, or consult your local government’s information regarding any modifications to your bin collections during the Christmas season. Trees gathered through your local government are probably going to be composted or made into chippings for use as ground cover in nearby areas. [10]
What are eco-friendly substitutes for Christmas trees?
As an alternative, think about using wooden trees rather than plastic ones if you want something a little different that you can use each year. These are excellent for decorating, but they also give your house a little something different. [11]
Christmas tree rentals are actually a thing! You may have never heard of this option, but it’s totally possible. You can use the same tree year after year by renting one, which is a more environmentally beneficial option. In contrast to purchasing a potted tree, you are not concerned with future maintenance. Some families also have the pleasure of seeing the tree grow up with their children because they rent the same tree year after year.
Planning for Christmas
If you are currently planning for the Big C, we hope this article has been helpful in informing your decision on the tree you choose to purchase. The next big question is whether a star or an angel belongs on the top!
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References
[1] McDaniel, A. and Simpson, S. (2023) Sustainable Christmas trees: A guide to the real, fake, & eco-friendly, What Is More Sustainable: Fake Or Real Christmas Trees? We Share Everything You Need To Know.
[2] A Girl Putting A Christmas Star On A Christmas Tree (October, 2020) from Pexels. Accessed on: 11th Nov 2021. Available at: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-girl-putting-a-christmas-star-on-a-christmas-tree-5727889/
[3] Martin, E. (2024) What’s the most eco-friendly Christmas tree?
[4] Martin, E. (2024) What’s the most eco-friendly Christmas tree?
[5] Martin, E. (2024) What’s the most eco-friendly Christmas tree?
[6] McDaniel, A. and Simpson, S. (2023) Sustainable Christmas trees: A guide to the real, fake, & eco-friendly, What Is More Sustainable: Fake Or Real Christmas Trees? We Share Everything You Need To Know.
[7] Martin, E. (2024) What’s the most eco-friendly Christmas tree?
[8] Woman in Black Coat and Blue Denim Jeans Standing Near Tree on Snow Covered Ground (Dec, 2020) from Pexels. Accessed at: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-black-coat-and-blue-denim-jeans-standing-near-tree-on-snow-covered-ground-6268822/
[9] McDaniel, A. and Simpson, S. (2023) Sustainable christmas trees: A guide to the real, fake, & eco-friendly, What Is More Sustainable: Fake Or Real Christmas Trees? We Share Everything You Need To Know.
[10] Martin, E. (2024) What’s the most eco-friendly Christmas tree?
[11] Joyner, L. and Cochrane, E. (2024) Eco Christmas Trees — Sustainable Christmas tree for 2024, 17 of the best eco-friendly Christmas trees to buy now.
