Real vs Fake Christmas Tree: Which One Is Better for the Environment?

Christmas is one of the biggest holiday celebrations of the year and Christmas trees have become an essential symbol and component of this festive period. Unfortunately, no matter if they are real or fake, they come at a cost for the environment. With the holidays right around the corner, it is time to reconsider the relationship between Christmas trees and environmentalism. 

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Carbon Footprint

Real Christmas trees typically carry an average carbon footprint of 3.5 kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO2) if disposed of through methods such as wood chipping or burning. However, if they are left to decompose in landfills, their carbon footprint multiplies fourfold to 16 kilograms of CO2.

While some advocate for plastic trees citing their reusability as an eco-friendly feature, the environmental impact tells a different story. For instance, a two-metre-tall artificial tree is estimated to have a carbon cost of 40kg when eventually thrown away. To put it into perspective, one would need to reuse an artificial Christmas tree for at least 12 years to match the eco-friendliness of a real Christmas tree.

Biodegradable vs Non-biodegradable

Real Christmas trees offer significant environmental benefits as they are biodegradable and pose no chemical harm to their surroundings. Once composted, these trees can be repurposed as lumber, mulch, or fertilizers. Some real Christmas trees have even been strategically placed at the bottoms of ponds, rivers, and oceans to establish new underwater habitats.

Before being harvested, real Christmas trees play a vital role in supporting the natural ecosystem by providing shelter for various bird and mammal species while also actively sequestering carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. However, concerns arise from researchers who point out that these trees may not reach their full carbon sequestration potential as they are typically harvested in their “teenage years,” before reaching peak maturity.

In stark contrast, artificial Christmas trees are predominantly crafted from petroleum-based plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and metal. Their non-biodegradable and non-recyclable nature contributes to landfill overflow at the end of their life cycle, releasing more greenhouse gases and toxic chemicals into the environment. Additionally, the manufacturing process often occurs in developing nations before shipping to wealthier countries in the Global North, further adding to their substantial carbon footprint through transportation.

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Christmas Trees and Consumerism 

Christmas trees have seamlessly integrated into our consumer culture, with approximately 33-36 million trees sold in the US and 50-60 million in European countries each year. However, a notable portion of these trees no longer find their place as traditional home decorations. Instead, in recent times, they have increasingly become fixtures in shopping malls, adorned with dazzling lights and ‘Instagrammable’ ornaments to entice more shoppers and visitors. Consequently, the original symbolism of Christmas trees as a representation of familial togetherness has gradually eroded.

Moreover, the high demand for Christmas trees disrupts their native ecosystems. Farmers must allocate substantial resources to nurture these trees under optimal conditions before harvesting. In regions where certain tree species are non-native, the extensive use of water, herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides to promote tree growth not only harms the local environment but also disrupts the natural balance. Human-introduced plantations can lead to severe environmental disturbances and even trigger natural disasters. In essence, the exorbitant demand for Christmas trees exacts a toll on the original ecosystems, highlighting the environmental costs imposed by our societal craving for these festive symbols.

Sustainable Christmas Trees

While it is clear that real Christmas trees might be more eco-friendly, the farming practices to meet global demands could degrade natural ecosystems. Still, some Christmas trees are more sustainable than others.

Here are five ways to make sure your festive purchase this year is as environmentally-friendly as possible:

1. Purchase a second-hand artificial tree;
2. Decorate a living outside tree;
3. Buy a live potted tree;
4. Reutilise the trunk as firewood;
5. Reutilise the trunk as a decorative piece and a resting area for birds and various types of cute animals.

The traditional significance of the Christmas tree lies in offering hope to individuals during the long, harsh winter months. However, with the advent of mass production and modern consumerism, the authentic essence of the Christmas tree is becoming increasingly obscured. Additionally, the substantial demand for Christmas trees poses a persistent threat to the existing ecosystem. The ongoing discourse on the environmental implications of real versus artificial Christmas trees is multifaceted.

As the holiday season approaches, it is crucial to contemplate how we can safeguard our environment and cultivate greater environmental awareness in our purchasing decisions.

Featured image: Wikimedia Commons.

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This article was originally published on December 21, 2021.