1. Real trees are better for the environment.

Environmentalists across the nation have come to a fairly clear-cut consensus: real is better.

There are several reasons that a real tree is more eco-friendly than an artificial tree, but the primary reason is because an artificial tree is non-biodegradable. Most artificial trees are made from Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) plastic that will sit in landfills forever. Also, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, when produced or burned, artificial trees release dioxins that can cause liver cancer and developmental problems.

According to a Life Cycle Assessment conducted in 2009 by Ellipsos (a consulting firm in Montreal that specializes in sustainable development) that compared the environmental impact of a real (or natural) tree vs. an artificial tree, artificial trees have a greater overall impact on climate change.

The carbon emissions used in the production and transport of artificial trees are greater than the carbon emissions used in the production and transport of real trees. Interestingly enough, the study also noted that “Carpooling or biking to work only one to three weeks per year would offset the carbon emissions from both types of Christmas trees.

What about the impact of a real, farmed Christmas tree on the surrounding eco-system? All factors considered, if farmers practice integrated pest management farming methods and keep pesticide use to a minimum, Christmas trees can have a positive impact on the environment. Check out our articles under the Go Green section of our website for more information.

Some more facts about real trees and the environment:

• Every acre of Christmas trees in production produces the daily oxygen requirement for 18 people.

• Tree farms help to stabilize the soil, protect water supplies and provide wildlife habitat.

• The industry points to the reduction of carbon dioxide through Christmas tree farming, thus helping with the battle against global warming.

• Growing Christmas trees provides a habitat for wildlife.

• Recycled trees have been used to make sand and soil erosion barriers and been placed in ponds for fish shelter.

• Christmas trees remove dust and pollen from the air.

• Artificial trees will last for six years in your home, but for centuries in a landfill.

• 59 percent of real Christmas trees harvested are recycled in community programs.

• Christmas trees are often grown on land unsuitable for other crops.

2. Real trees are “made” in America.

Nearly all Christmas trees sold in the United States are grown in America. The most notable exception: Many trees sold in the northeast are from Canada. On the other hand, 85% of artificial trees sold in the United States are manufactured in China.

As noted in a Washington Post article:

If the spiritual meaning of Christmas really has been overtaken by commercialism, this city of skyscrapers and gritty industrial suburbs now amounts to a kind of present-day Bethlehem, the source of so many of the products that have come to define the holiday. Last year, three out of every four artificial Christmas trees sold in the United States were made in one of 3,000 factories here, according to Chinese and Hong Kong customs data compiled by the Shenzhen Arts & Crafts Industry Association, a trade group that represents makers of toys, gifts and holiday goods.

Nearly an equal percentage of Christmas lights, ornaments and wreaths in American homes were made here as well, along with most of the goods placed under the tree: China and Hong Kong together exported about $20 billion worth of toys last year, according to customs data, or some two-thirds of all toy shipments globally. Many of the toy factories are clustered in Shenzhen or in surrounding parts of Guangdong province.

3. Real trees smell better.

Who can resist the fresh smell of an evergreen? It fills the house and puts everyone in the Christmas spirit!