Christmas Trees and the Environment

By Rose

Americans are split between real or artificial Christmas trees.   Two factors normally sway the decision – the scent of a real tree – or the mess of fallen needles real trees leave to clean up.   The first sends people to the Christmas tree lots - the latter sends them to the home stores. 

While the manufacturers of artificial trees make them amazingly lifelike, the trees themselves are not really good for people, or the environment.  Artificial trees are made from non-renewable resources incorporating toxic chemicals such as PVC, which is stabilized with lead, or polyethylene.  They consume storage space, aren’t recyclable when worn out, and end up as landfill.  Additionally, about 85% of them are made abroad and imported.  

Real trees are not taken from forests, for they are grown as crops, which are carefully managed.  While growing, they are habitat for wild animals.  Live trees take in carbon dioxide and give off oxygen, thus benefiting the environment.  After cutting, each tree is replaced by up to 3 new seedlings the following spring.  Tree farms exist in all 50 states, and employ 100,000 annually, either full or part-time.  When Christmas is over, real trees are fully biodegradable, and require no storage room.