Does buying that new, freshly cut live Christmas tree contribute to deforestation? Is buying an artificial tree made of petrochemicals worth the reusability benefits? Is buying a live potted tree really the best option? Eco-conscious consumers readying their homes for the holidays have these kinds of questions swirling through their minds as they try to prep for the season and stay true to their values.
There are pros and cons to each choice. The Chicago Tribune has a rundown:
ARTIFICIAL TREES
PROS:
An alternative for those with allergies or asthma. Some people are allergic to terpene, the substance found in the oil or sap of Christmas trees, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Durable. They last about six years.
Affordable. They’re generally cheaper than cut trees because you can use them more than once. Trees with polyethylene (PE) needles are more expensive than polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Some come with warranties. Home Depot (homedepot.com) sells trees ranging from $39.99 to $2,499. Target sells a 3-foot Willowstreet Fir artificial tree for $9.99.
Easier to assemble and maintain. Instant Plaid Pull-up Trees ($179) come with decorations in place. Simply pull the tree up over a metal stand and plug it in. Plastic trees don’t shed their needles and don’t need to be cared for.
No risk of a Charlie Brown tree. Artificial trees come in an astonishing array of sizes and appearances. Pre-lit trees save time in assembly, take-down and have been credited for reducing domestic squabbles.
CONS:
Gigantic carbon footprint. Artificial trees are usually made from petroleum and shipped from China; the pole and branches are primarily made of steel while the needles are made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC), also known as vinyl, or polyethylene (PE).The American Christmas Tree Association sponsored a study that shows artificial trees are healthier for the environment over a 10-year period due to the costs of transporting a real tree from a lot to someone’s home. Still, some beg to differ. “That’s absurd,” said Rick Dungey of the National Christmas Tree Association. “How big is the carbon footprint of the cargo ship that carried the fake tree across the Pacific ocean? OR the 18 wheeler that carried it froma port on the Pacific Coast to a store in Chicago.?”
PVC is not biodegradable. If incinerated, the PVC in the trees emits dioxins and other carcinogens. The manufacture of PVC also creates dioxins. Major retailers including Target and Toys “R” Us are phasing out products with PVC.
Lead is often used as a PVC stabilizer. Lead, a toxic metal that can cause damage to the brain and nervous system, is more dangerous for children. University of North Carolina researchers tested the lead content in branches, on hands after contact and in dust under the tree. They found that “while the average artificial Christmas tree does not present a significant exposure risk, in the worst-case scenario a substantial health risk to young children is quite possible.”
No natural scent. Some people solve this by using aerosol sprays or pine-scented air fresheners, but the fumes from most products contain dozens of chemicals, including several classified as toxic or hazardous, according to a University of Washington study.
Check out the Chicago Tribune’s assessment of freshly cut Christmas trees and potted trees as well.
Of course, you could always go for a mod look by decorating some branches with lights and ornaments, or simply decorate a tree in your front yard. Check back with us throughout December for tips on eco-friendly holiday decorating!
Link [The Chicago Tribune]
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
