Earth-Friendly Christmas Trees, From Fake to Real
Publishing a post about Christmas trees this early may be akin to putting up holiday decorations long before Turkey Day has even come and gone (something that has always annoyed me), but the truth is, it’s not too early to start thinking about what kind of Christmas tree you’ll have this year. With many of us wanting to make our choice as local and earth-friendly as possible, there are pros and cons to weigh for each type of tree.
An artificial tree can be either a good or a terrible choice for the environment depending on one thing: is it new or used. A new artificial tree directly supports the manufacture of petroleum-derived and pollution-producing plastic. Ick. And since most fake trees are made in China, the transportation-related impacts are equally undesirable. But, a second-hand artificial tree is a good choice because it keeps someone’s unwanted artificial tree out of the landfill. A used artificial tree is also economical and ideal for busy people. I bought mine for $10 from an estate sale and I store it fully assembled and strung with lights, so every year I just haul it up from the basement and hang some ornaments. Easy, peasy!
If you’re sentimental about the smell of pine and dropped needles on the floor, don’t get an artificial tree! But if all you’re worried about is that it won’t look real, don’t: a modern fake tree can fool almost anyone into thinking it’s the real thing! If you’d consider a used artificial tree, get to your local Good Will store early and you’ll likely find dozens for sale for a fraction of what you’d pay for a real tree. So the final word on artificial trees is, if new, definitely NO! If used, definitely YES!
A cut tree (also called a “real tree”) can be a good option as well. Any tree that comes from a farm is renewable, because new seedlings are planted each year to replace the cut trees. However, conventional commercial trees receive heavy applications of dangerous chemicals to control pests, chemicals that pollute the environment and enter our home along with the tree. So, if you want to be sure a cut tree is an environmentally-friendly choice all the way around, buy one from a certified organic or certified sustainable tree farm that used non-toxic pest control methods. GreenPromise.com has compiled a well-researched list of certified Christmas tree farms throughout the U.S. Cut trees should be composted or recycled after the season, and most cities provide this service for free, so inquire through your solid waste department for details.
Then there is the living tree. One that is raised organically is an environmentally friendly choice hands down. A living tree has not been taken from the earth, just borrowed, and once replanted it will resume an important ecological role, removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and providing habitat for wildlife. When all things are considered, however, only certain households will be able to make this choice work. For starters, a living tree is expensive, and one that is meant for transplant in the yard should only remain inside the home for five to seven days. Most families will want to enjoy a decorated tree for longer than one week. A living tree will also require a cool room and maintenance to keep the root ball moist. After seven days or less, the tree must be acclimated to outdoor temperatures for a day or two before being replanted—ideally in unfrozen ground and in moderate temperatures. If you live in a cold climate, read up on how to transplant living trees in the winter before you decide to go this route.
Not all living trees have to be transplanted outdoors, however. A species that is adapted to living in a pot indoors is an unconventional but very real choice. The Norfolk Island pine is perhaps the most common potted tree for this purpose, but I’ve seen dwarf citrus trees and rosemary bushes decorated as well! A potted plant or tree may be an atypical choice, but it’s among the most sustainable and versatile solutions.
Merry merry!!!
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Many communities have Christmas Tree recycling programs too. Not only will they pick your tree up at the curb. But you can request free mulch in the Spring.
Comment by Shelley — December 19, 2010 @ 1:52 pm