This article is part of the “Have a Sustainable Holiday Season” series presented by the Moscow Food Co-op’s owner-ran Sustainability Committee.
Artificial trees are only more sustainable than real cut trees after 10-20 years of use. This figure does not take into account the plastic or the toxic PVC used to make the tree. About 85% of artificial trees are from China, and most ultimately end up in landfills. In contrast, live Christmas trees are a crop that helps local farmers. After holiday use, live trees can be mulched or chipped and reused in the landscape.
Reuse your artificial tree for multiple years if you already have one; otherwise, buy a locally sourced tree from a tree farm. A trip to cut down the tree can also be fun for the whole family, adding to the holiday experience.
Purchasing fresh cut Christmas trees from local farmers helps encourage tree farming. More tree farming means more trees absorbing more carbon from the atmosphere. This reduces global warming and also helps insure a healthier ecosystem. Trees stabilize soil, protect water supplies, provide wildlife habitat, and add oxygen to the air.
Or mix it up and make your own holiday ‘tree’ out of recycled items!
Here is another article with inspirational photos of some awesome trees made from trash.
Penned by Susan F., PhD
Look for future editions of the “Have a Sustainable Holiday Season” series from Susan and the Sustainability Committee here!