How Green is your Christmas Tree?
A common misconception during the holiday season is which type of Christmas Tree if any is most environmentally friendly. Some options seem to be more so than others, but they may in fact be actually doing more harm that good. Here are the most popular options listed in order how eco-friendly they are.
No Tree Needed
Just because society leads you to believe that you have to have a tree does not mean you have to go down that route. This is true green option, but could leave you house feeling less festive unless you decide to be creative. Why not collect pine-cones and tree limbs that have fallen down and use them throughout your house. You get the same feeling as having a tree and you can distribute them throughout your house.
Living Trees
This is often an overlooked way to still celebrate the holidays with a beautiful tree, while still being a friend to the environment. Live trees do not need to be cut down and can be replanted after the holidays are over. This seems like the best option as it is the best of both worlds. You don’t have to sacrifice anything and you can contribute to better air quality and reducing carbon emissions. There are several options when choosing to a tree that is still alive.
Tree Rentals
Various companies have been created across the country to provide a a rental service for your holiday trees. They charge a fee anywhere from $80-$100 to deliver a tree to your house and pick it up when Christmas is over. This option not only allows you to get a living tree to decorate, but you don’t have to pick a tree up and find a place to dispose of it. On top of that, the tree will be replanted in your local community to provide more greenery and better air quality. If you live on the west coast, you could check out the Original Living Tree Company or try searching for a local tree rental company in your area.
Local Nursery
This option requires you to find a local nursery or gardening center to buy a tree. You still get a tree in your house, but the problem is that you have to have room to plan the tree immediately after you are done using it. Having to transport the tree and plant make buying a live tree not as practical, but makes complete sense if you want a new tree in your yard.
Organic Tree Farms
A new breed of tree farms have started to be be born throughout the country. Many traditional farms use harmful pesticides and insecticides to keep bugs off of the trees. Organic and local farms, just as with produce, are all across the nation and allow you to get a tree without the risks to yourself and the environment. You can also recycle them to receive mulch or for other uses after you are finished with them. This makes them a fairly green option as you are not wasting the trees after you are done with them and they have limited environmental damage. On top of that, their cost is usually comparably priced to trees that are exposed to pesticides. To find a local tree farm that grows organic trees, check out Green Promise. If you can’t find a organic farm on the list, you can also visit a a local farm and inquire about where their trees were grown.
Traditional Tree Farms
Even though this seems like the least green option when shopping for a holiday tree this year, in my opinion it is not. There are pesticides used in most farms throughout the nation, but usually the amount used are limited as described in a study done by North Carlina State University. I still think it is a better idea not to use pesticides at all, but still a better choice than going artificial. Just as with going organic, be sure to recycle your tree after the holiday season is over. This will ensure that it does not go to waste and can be reused. Earth911.com has a great recycling directory in which you can find recycling locations in your area. You could also inquire with your local community to see if they offer recycling as well and provide free mulch in return.
Artificial Trees
Artificial trees in principal seems like one of the more eco friendly options on the surface. You buy a tree once and you reuse it for years to come. The biggest problem with this is that the majority of artificial trees are made from PVC plastic that is based from petroleum. Not only does it not biodegradable, but it is also not recyclable. This means that even though you can have a tree for many years, there is no safe way to dispose of it. Also, some artificial trees are known to be harmful to people because they can contain lead in them. This makes especially dangerous to children who may play with the tree. On top of that, many of the trees bought are made in China. Artificial tree’s don’t necessarily have to harmful for the environment. You could always try to make one out of various recycled materials.
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December 17th, 2008Trackback from : Vicodin.
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December 17th, 2008Trackback from : Diazepam online.
I’ve always gone with the artificial tree. Even if it’s made of PVC, they do last for a long time. I passed my smaller 6 foot artificial down to my daughter when she moved out.
I do miss the smell of a real tree, but maybe I can get a small potted one and plant it in the yard after the holidays are over.
Great post!
I always had a real thing in my home. Its not that I’m against PVC or something, but it was something my parents did so I just continued to do the same thing. But I see the advantage of having one Christmas tree last for more then 2 or 3 weeks.