While many Americans are turning their attention to Christmas after Thanksgiving, the dilemma of choosing between a fresh-cut real tree and an artificial tree arises for those wanting to help the planet during the holidays. Data shows that artificial trees are favored by American households, with many opting to have multiple trees, both real and artificial.
Fresh-cut Christmas trees have the advantage of absorbing carbon dioxide while growing, providing habitat for wildlife, stabilizing soil, and emitting oxygen. They are also 100% recyclable unless treated with chemical flocking. Proper disposal methods such as mulching can significantly benefit the environment. However, a major downside is the environmental impact of transporting real trees long distances.
Artificial trees are typically made from petroleum-based plastic, often transported from China, and are not recyclable, posing challenges from a climate perspective. However, if used for at least five years before being discarded, the overall environmental impact can be equivalent to that of a fresh tree. The longer an artificial tree is used, the lower its carbon impact, with the break-even point coming at around the five-year mark.
The most eco-friendly way to have an artificial tree is to purchase a second-hand one and replace non-working lights with energy-efficient LEDs. This approach keeps the tree out of landfills and reduces the overall carbon cost of the purchase. Ultimately, for those considering environmental impact, the key is to reuse artificial trees for multiple years or dispose of fresh trees in eco-friendly ways.
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