As the holiday season approaches, the longstanding debate about which is better – natural or synthetic trees – has been reignited yet again.
Both sides have passionate supporters. Some appreciate the ease of an artificial tree, while others are unwilling to forgo the rich aroma of genuine pine trees.
The growing awareness of environmental issues has also introduced a new factor to the discussion. People have become more conscious overall of the ecological impacts of both options.
Let us have a debate of our own so you can have all the information you need to pick a lane.
The Case for Real Christmas Trees
Have you ever wandered through a Christmas tree farm? Then, you know that choosing a genuine tree is a beloved holiday tradition for many families.
For some people, the excitement of hunting down the best tree is simply unmatched. Even if you’re browsing last minute, merely seeing the rich green trees or smelling fresh pine in the air is enough to bring up endearing memories for a lot of people.
Apart from the nostalgia, actual Christmas trees have numerous environmental advantages.
Unlike artificial trees that are often manufactured from non-biodegradable plastics, real trees break down naturally and return to the soil with nutritious elements.
They can also be composted or mulled later. This would essentially mean that the tree has come full circle in its environmentally friendly lifecycle, marking a new beginning for other plants.
Additionally, Christmas tree farms often function as carbon sinks. You see, trees emit oxygen and absorb greenhouse gases during their development. This mechanism helps lower the overall atmospheric carbon dioxide content.
Moreover, these farms support soil health and offer homes for different wildlife species. In that regard, buying a Christmas tree from one encourages environmentally friendly farming methods that preserve land.
The environmental impact of a genuine tree is not all positive, though. It can also reflect negatively on our ecosystem due to their methods of transportation, maintenance, and disposal.
For example, the carbon emissions released while shipping a genuine tree to your house directly contribute to climate change.
Furthermore, many genuine trees are carelessly discarded in landfills, where they could emit methane during decomposition. Methane is the primary trigger for the formation of hazardous greenhouse gases and air pollutants.
The Case for Artificial Christmas Trees
Usually seen as the more practical and affordable choice, artificial trees can last for several years. Opting for this option will spare you the annual trip to the farm. Additionally, you will save a small fortune when you no longer have to buy a new one every December.
Many find their considerably longer lifespan quite appealing as well. For environmentally-conscious individuals who reuse their fake trees throughout the years, these are a no-brainer.
Synthetic trees, at first, would appear more sustainable since they have long-term usability. However. that argument is not as straightforward as it seems.
Just because they do not require the cutting down of live trees, it does not automatically make them the more eco-friendly option.
These are made of metal and polyvinyl chloride, a type of plastic derived from non-renewable petroleum.
In addition to being energy-intensive, they emit toxic chemicals into the environment during their manufacturing process. Most artificial trees are also imported, which significantly increases their transportation’s carbon footprint.
Moreover, synthetic trees do not break down naturally and ultimately end up in landfills, where they could remain for several hundred years.
Their imperishable plastic and metal components cause long-term waste problems that, in turn, contribute to air pollution and soil contamination.
A Closer Look at the Carbon Footprint
Examining the carbon footprints of both varieties over time helps you better understand their environmental impact. It is perhaps the biggest determining factor in this argument.
What is a carbon footprint anyway? It refers to the total amount of greenhouse gases, such as the infamous methane and carbon dioxide, caused by human actions.
Some research indicates that if you use an artificial tree for at least ten years, its carbon footprint could be less than that of a genuine tree annually.
Many, however, replace their synthetic trees more frequently than this, thereby discrediting this argument.
Moreover, considering their energy-intensive manufacturing process and the environmental impact of PVC waste, it can take years to balance out their footprint.
On the other hand, unsustainable shipping and disposal of real trees add to their carbon footprint. However, their adverse effects can be minimised with conscientious action.
Purchasing live trees locally and discarding them in an ecologically beneficial manner are the simplest yet most effective ways to counter their environmental impact.
Supporting tree recycling programs that transform live plants into mulch is easily the best method of disposing of a genuine Christmas tree.
Sustainable Alternatives
There are plenty of creative ideas to consider if you want to lower your environmental footprint this holiday season.
One great option is to rent a live tree. Some farms now allow you to lease rather than buy Christmas trees in pots and return them after the holiday season.
That way, the tree will keep growing over the years. This approach allows you to enjoy a real tree without limiting its lifecycle to just one season while simultaneously reducing unsustainable green waste.
Another option is to purchase a potted tree that you can plant in your garden after Christmas. Long after the Christmas lights are switched off, the tree will keep absorbing carbon dioxide.
If this is an impractical solution, you can always donate the tree to a nearby garden or park, where it will help the local habitat.
For those who prefer synthetic trees but wish to reduce their environmental impact, purchasing a tree secondhand is an excellent idea.
This helps reduce the demand for new trees, thereby mitigating the related manufacturing and transportation impact. It also offers new life to a tree that would have otherwise winded up in a landfill.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, your own preferences and values will determine whether you buy a Christmas tree that’s artificial or natural. Luckily, there are strategies to increase the sustainability of both options.
For the latter route, you can support local gardeners and recycle your tree after the holidays. As for the former, try to buy a used artificial tree and maintain it for as long as you can.
Remember, your decision can have a significant impact this holiday season, so choose wisely.