The holiday season is finally here, which for me is the most exciting time of the year! Stores and homes are decorated, Christmas songs are playing and everyone seems to be in a great mood. Above all, my favorite thing about this season is the smell and look of a fresh Christmas tree. Interestingly though, it seems that many people don't share my affinity for real trees. I've noticed more and more people putting up artificial trees. I completely understand the reasons: ease of setup, preassembled lights, no messy pine needles, and no recurring annual cost/trip to the tree store. But, I have found out that even though fake trees save time and money they aren't necessarily the environmentally friendly.
Why is this? Well, first, it's because artificial trees are made from plastics and metals. According to the National Christmas Tree Association (yes this organization actually exists!), these real tree imitators contain PVC (polyvinyl chloride) which is not only bad for the environment, but also can be a potential source of hazardous lead for children. Also, unlike real Christmas trees that are biodegradable and can be recycled, fake trees cannot and once they're thrown away they sit in landfills for years. Finally, real trees, while they are growing, absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen, promoting a healthy environment.
Aside from the environmental impact of artificial trees, there is one more interesting fact that I wanted to share. Contrary to popular belief, fake trees aren't as fireproof as you may think. The National Christmas Tree Association claims the leading cause of holiday fires are caused by overloaded electrical outlets and faulty wires which are just as likely to affect artificial trees.Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and holiday traditions, but it seems that the best option for earth-friendly people is to stick with the real thing.
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