It’s perhaps the most recognizable symbol of the upcoming
holiday season. From our homes to our very own campus, the holiday tree
encompasses the traditions we’ve grown up with.
Maybe your family goes out each season in search of the
perfect real, or artificial, tree.
Whether this journey takes you to a tree farm, lot or super store, there
are some things you might want to consider while searching for that tree. For
instance, what is the environmental impact of the tree? And if you’ve already
purchased the perfect tree, keep these things in mind for the next holiday
season.
Pros and cons of
artificial trees
PROS
Buying an artificial tree tends to save time and money when
you’re simply picking it up from the store.. And, there isn’t the recurring
expense associated with buying a real tree each season.
CONS
Most artificial trees today are made with metal and a
non-biodegradable, petroleum-derived plastic. So, even if you get many years of
use out of your tree, once it’s put into the landfill, it’ll stay there for
hundreds of years. Also, most of these artificial trees are made in other
countries, and then shipped to the US, greatly increasing transportation
impacts on the environment.
Some may also think they’re doing the environment a favor by
not cutting down a real tree. But according to an environmental consulting firm
in Montreal, an artificial tree would have to be used for more than 20 years to
be greener than buying a fresh tree annually.
Pros and cons of real
trees
PROS
Trees in general, do wonders for our environment. A single
holiday tree absorbs more than 1 ton of CO2 in its lifetime. An acre of trees
provides enough oxygen for the daily needs of 18 people. Also, real trees can be
recycled.
Instead of being recycled, you can also grind up your tree
and use it for mulch in your yard. Or, once it’s done serving a purpose for
holiday décor, you can put it in your backyard as winter shelter for wildlife.
CONS
Many trees are sprayed down with pesticides. Just as
pesticides can remain on the food we eat, so do they on holiday trees. If you want to ensure your tree is
pesticide-free, do a little research before buying.
With the holiday tree being such a well-known symbol, it’s
important to consider just what that beautiful tree is doing to the
environment. So whether it’s artificial or real, try to do what you can to keep
the environment – and holidays – a little greener.
