Every year, the debate on whether real or artificial Christmas trees are better, comes up. The truth is that each has its own pros and cons. They both have characteristics that are very distinctive and according to a recent analysis, neither type of Christmas tree has a very significantly adverse effect on the environment. When it comes down to it, the tree that you choose depends on your lifestyle. Whether you choose a real or fake tree, remember that the Christmas season is a time of celebration and you should relax and have a good time with your loved ones.
Pros And Cons Of Natural Christmas Trees
Here is a look at the pros and cons of the real trees:
PROS
Recyclable: One of the reasons that natural Christmas trees are preferred by many people is that they can be recycled. "Treecycling" is a huge trend and it is why experts agree that this type of Christmas tree is more environmentally friendly when compared to the plastic variety.
No disposal in landfills: Overcrowded landfills are one of the big environmental concerns today. Fortunately, there is no need to dispose of natural Christmas trees in a landfill where the lack of oxygen significantly slows down the decomposition rate. Recycling them is a great way to return a natural and renewable source back into the environment.
Multi-purpose: Recycled Christmas trees can be used in a wide range of applications. They can be recycled into mulch which is then used in gardening and landscaping. It can also be used to make a variety of products including playground material, walkways, paths and hiking trails. Other uses include prevention of beach front erosion and river and lake shoreline stabilization.
CONS
Chemical use: The farming of real Christmas trees means the repeated applications of pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides. These chemicals may be used throughout the lifetime of these trees, causing a negative impact on the environment.
Pros And Cons Of Plastic Christmas Trees
Here is a look at the pros and cons of fake trees:
PROS
Economical: Fake Christmas trees are more economical compared to farm-grown ones. Unlike the real ones, you do not have to purchase a new one year after year. This makes artificial trees more appealing, especially in the current economic situation as they have fantastic investment value. With the proper care and storage, good plastic trees can last two or more decades.
Convenience: Unlike real trees, fake ones are extremely convenient as they do not have to be transported from a tree farm to your home or long distances if you live in a place where coniferous trees do not grow. You also do not need to water them or worry about pine leaves all over your floors.
CONS
Non-recyclable and non-biodegradable: Plastic Christmas trees are commonly made with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and metal. Also, many of the varieties that are older may have lead in them as it is commonly used as a stabilizer in the process of manufacturing. Despite the PVC they contain, artificial trees are non-biodegradable and non-recyclable, which means that they will be still there in the landfills even centuries after you dispose of them.
Environmental damage through transport: Many of the artificial trees you find in stores are imported from China. This means that they travel hundreds of miles and this has a significant effect on the environmental impact that is associated with long-distance transport.
As you can see, both have an adverse effect on the environment which is one of the main points that pops up whenever there is debate about Christmas trees. According to some experts, consumers should not worry about the impact Christmas trees have on the environment because the impact is minuscule compared to other factors.
The Best Alternative
If you are still wondering about using real or fake Christmas trees, your best option is potted living one. It is a great alternative to other types of trees. Although it depends on the availability of land and the climate in the area you live in, living trees can be the solution to this problem. You can bring a living tree into your home for 10 days or so. After the holiday season is over and it is time to dispose of the tree, you can replant it. If you do not have the land to do this, you can take it to the local park departments in your city. It is very likely that your tree will be accepted for planting after Christmas.
Living trees are becoming more popular around the world. They are real, look beautiful and do not have an adverse effect on the environment. If you are thinking about which type of Christmas tree to get this year, you should consider a living one.
If you do not have available land for replanting a tree, a real Christmas tree is always better than a plastic one. As mentioned earlier, artificial ones are non-recyclable and non-biodegradable. They will end up in landfills and never decompose, no matter how many decades go by. On the other hand, real ones are a renewable resource and can be recycled. They are also one hundred percent bio-degradable. They have environmental costs too, but when you compare them to the ones made of plastic, the damage is less.
However, that being said, at the end of the day, the Christmas tree that you choose depends on your personal preference and lifestyle. For many people, cutting trees for a few days of celebration is not worth the harm it does to the environment.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is not to stress too much about whether a real Christmas tree is better than an artificial one, or vice versa. If you have a plastic tree, use it for at least a decade before you get rid of it. If you use a real tree, try to get it from a place that is close to where you live and when the holiday season is over, replant, compost or recycle it.
With Christmas around the corner, Pol Anderson Bishop has launched his series of excellent tips on Christmas tree, decoration and other curious stuff about the year's biggest celebration. Make sure to stay tuned to his latest publications.
How do we decide between the artificial Christmas tree and the real one? Is it purely down to personal preference or is there any real advantage to buying one or the other Tree services Rocklin
Usually from the ground upwards: the seeds are geotropic, therefore saving the problem of digging down to find one
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