As the American consumer becomes more environmentally conscious, a new outlet of conserving is being found in the Christmas tree — a product that is renewed each year, requiring much growth and time or many different materials made from PVC.
There is much debate over which form of tree is the best in regard to the Earth. Artificial trees cost as much as cut trees but lack the traditional look, yet can be used every year. Live trees are created from all natural materials but could harbor pesticides and other chemicals.
Most real trees actually have little to no significant amount of chemicals. When compared to their counterpart made of the infamous lead-processed PVC, no chemicals are used. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, 85 percent of artificial trees come from China where they are made of various metals and plastics. The toxins released from the manufacturing process have shown up in the surrounding air and water, harming all animals and even humans. The toxins have shown to cause cancer and weaken the immune system.
Upon disposal, real trees can be recycled into mulch and other products and even decomposed into the earth. Conversely, artificial trees don’t have many options for disposal other than landfills and are not recyclable. However, the negative side to natural trees is their disposability where each Christmas a new tree must be cut down and are cast away in about a month.
But there are new options that can provide a guilt free, real tree experience. Many Christmas tree farmers will provide shoppers with another seedling to plant so they can cancel out the tree just cut down. There are also many local rent-a-tree markets opening up around the country, allowing customers to rent their Christmas tree. This often includes a free home delivery of the potted tree along with a pick up service after the holidays are over. Some include the option of using the same specific tree each year. This way no tree is cut down and the real tree can continue to offset the carbon released by all their artificial counterparts year long.
