Christmas tree: real or fake, which is the most sustainable for the planet?

Christmas is approaching and the age-old dilemma returns: better a real fir or an artificial one? Which is more environmentally friendly?

Christmas is almost upon us and many find themselves faced with the age-old dilemma: better a real fir or a fake one? What is the best choice for the environment? There are conflicting opinions on the issue, given that there are several pros and cons to take into consideration. Let's find out which ones to make an informed purchase in view of the holiday season.





Read also: Most Christmas sweaters are made of plastic and are harming the environment

Index

Fake Christmas tree: advantages and disadvantages 

Christmas tree: real or fake, which is the most sustainable for the planet?

@trongnguyen/123rf

Most people opt for a faux spruce, mainly as a matter of convenience. The main benefit is that it can be purchased almost anywhere - both online and in brick-and-mortar stores - and they come in a ton of sizes. Also, they are hardy and need no care unlike (the real one). Another huge advantage is that we can reuse it for the holiday season of the following years. 

However, it's not as sustainable as it might seem. In the United States alone, about 10 million artificial trees are purchased each year, and 90% of these come from China, with the resulting increase in carbon emissions. Not only. Artificial trees are generally made of plastic polyvinyl chloride or PVC, highly polluting. Artificial Christmas trees are therefore difficult to dispose of and often end up in local landfills instead of being recycled properly. 

When and why to opt for a fake Christmas fir tree ultimately? The advice is to buy an artificial one only if you intend to use it for at least five years (as also recommended by a study conducted by WAP Sustainability Consulting) and if it comes then properly disposed of. If you no longer like the tree in question, instead of throwing it away, you can resell it and give it away to offer the tree a second life and reduce the environmental impact.

Real Christmas tree: advantages and disadvantages 

Christmas tree: real or fake, which is the most sustainable for the planet?

@prostooleh/123rf


Although there are now fake trees on the market that are so well finished that they seem “alive”, real fir creates a whole different atmosphere in the home. Before "hosting" one at home, however, remember to place it in a not too hot part of the house and preferably illuminated by natural light, given the fir trees live in rather cold environments. Furthermore, it is necessary to opt for suitable decorations, avoiding overdoing (to allow the plant to breathe) and balls that are too heavy. Also consider that real trees tend to lose a lot of needles. 


But a question that many people ask about real fir trees is the following: is it really ethical to cut down trees to decorate the house? According to reports from the National Christmas Tree Association, it takes about seven years to grow a Christmas tree. Over that time, that fir absorbs carbon dioxide, fighting the climate crisis. In addition, farmers generally plant a couple of seedlings for each tree that is cut down.

But when you proceed with the purchase of a fir it is always recommended to do it in a conscious way, or by turning to a rauthorized dealer (as the sale of real Christmas trees is strictly regulated). Our advice is to opt for native trees in order to reduce the environmental impact related to transport and to favor local farmers. Make sure the tree you choose still has roots and hasn't been cut badly, so dto plant it again after the holidays.

Original alternatives to the classic Christmas fir

Who said that only fir can create a magical Christmas atmosphere? If you have neither a real nor a fake fir at home, you can also embellish another tree that you have on the balcony or in the garden.


Alternatively, you can also make very original trees with recycled materials, such as plastic, felt or cardboard. There is really plenty of choice! (HERE you will find some ideas to replicate).

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Read also: 

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  • Creative Recycling: Use what you have around the house to make an impressive Christmas wreath
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