Tis the season of Christmas decorating. Whenever this time of year comes around the same debate pops up in the eco-living community…
What type of christmas tree is best for the planet ? Real or Fake ?
If you are unsure what kind to tree to get, both sides of the discussion are laid out below :
Benefits of fake Christmas trees
– Cost effective, they will save you money over time.
– Fake trees can be reused for up to 10 years.
– More convenient, no pine needle mess and need to water.
Disadvantages of fake Christmas trees
– They are made from a plastic that is pretty much impossible to recycle so even if you use the same tree all your life it will still sit in landfill for thousands of years.
-85% of fake Christmas trees are shipped over from China releasing high carbon emissions.
Benefits of a real Christmas Tree
– Real trees have a lower carbon footprint than plastic made trees even if they are purchased from Europe on industrial scale.
– If you purchase your Christmas tree locally you are supporting the community directly around you. The BCTGA website explains where you can find your local Christmas tree farm.
– By purchasing from tree farms you are supporting reforestation and upkeep of forests. One acre of Christmas trees produces enough oxygen for 18 people every day.
– Real trees are fully biodegradable. And a top tip : When disposing of your tree, if you have the means, using your tree as firewood reduces its carbon footprint by 80%!
Disadvantages of fake Christmas trees
– Live trees can carry pollen and mold which could set off allergies in you or your pets.
– It can be a pricey purchase, at an already expensive time of year.
Top Tip : Local charities often run ‘tree cycle’ schemes to raise money. They will collect your tree, woodchip it and use it for gardening, compost etc. A local one to our office is run by Mary Stevens Hospice.
What do you think ? Let us know what type will you be having this year ?
Bring the outside in this Christmas with our new Pine multisurface cleaner! Who doesn’t love the smell of Christmas Trees?