Real vs Artificial Christmas Trees?

CARE FOR CREATION
December 10, 2023
Real vs Artificial Christmas Trees?
 
Is there an annual debate in your household on the topic of real versus artificial Christmas trees?  Discussions on this subject have appeared in mainstream media, in industry and academic journals and through advertising.
The Nature Conservancy reviewed the environmental impact of real trees and artificial trees.  Overall, the conclusion is real trees are better -- they help fight climate change, and even though your Christmas tree is cut down, you’re supporting forests.  Here are some of the facts:  

• 90% of artificial trees come from China and produce high levels of carbon emissions during manufacture and shipping.
• Most are made of plastic which is not recyclable and end up in landfills; eventually becoming microplastics that invade every part of the globe.
• The average life of an artificial tree is six years, but it takes 20 years of use for the carbon impact to balance out with real trees without accounting for “end of use” pollution, when disintegrating plastic spreads through the environment.
• Real trees support responsible tree farms that provide a livelihood for farmers and employment for laborers. The National Christmas Tree Association says that for every tree purchased, 1-3 seedlings are planted, creating continuous healthy forest habitat for wildlife, air, and soil.  Many Christmas tree growers utilize steep hillsides that would otherwise be unsuitable for agricultural activities.
• Real trees help clean the air inside your home by removing dust and pollen from the air, improving your indoor air quality.
• Real trees can be chipped for mulch or composted, returning their stored carbon to the ground. They can be used for erosion control along streams and riverbanks or put into rivers and lakes to help underwater habitats thrive. Trees should not be sent to landfills where they can contribute to methane production.

During Advent, the Church provides opportunities to help us prepare with hope and joy to celebrate the gift of the Incarnation; the focus is to keep Christ central in our lives and to praise and thank God for the gifts of His continuing creative presence. Let’s consider air, earth and evergreen trees among these gifts.
For more information about Christmas trees or to locate a choose-and-cut tree farm near you, please visit the National Christmas Tree Growers Association.