# Christmas Tree: Real vs. Artificial Debate - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/12/christmas-tree-real-vs-artificial-debate/ - Published: 2011-12-20T16:57:14-05:00 - Author: greenlivingguy ## Why Real Christmas Trees Are Actually Better for the Environment Hey there, eco-warriors! I’m excited to dig into a topic that comes around every holiday season – the great Christmas tree debate. Should you go real or artificial? As your friendly Green Living Guy, I’m here to break down why those fragrant, farm- grown trees are actually the greener choice. Let’s jump right in! ![Christmas tree Artificial vs real](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/ uploads/2011/12/IMG_1489.png?resize=300%2C300&quality=50&ssl=1 "Christmas tree. Artificial vs Real - The Green Living Guy") AI ### The Carbon Footprint Reality When it comes to environmental impact, real trees are clear winners. Furthermore, they absorb carbon dioxide throughout their growing lives – typically 8-12 years before harvest. Meanwhile, artificial trees are usually made from PVC plastic, which is derived from petroleum and manufactured using energy-intensive processes. In fact, a real Christmas tree absorbs approximately one ton of CO2 during its lifetime. On the other hand, producing a plastic tree generates about 40kg of greenhouse gas emissions. Consequently, you’d need to reuse that artificial tree for at least 20 years to match the environmental benefits of buying a fresh-cut tree annually! ### Supporting Local Economies and Preserving Land First of all, when you purchase a real Christmas tree, you’re likely supporting a local farmer. Additionally, Christmas tree farms provide vital economic support to rural communities. In contrast, about 85% of artificial trees are manufactured in China and shipped thousands of miles to reach American homes. Moreover, Christmas tree farms help preserve open spaces and agricultural land. As a result, they prevent development and provide wildlife habitat. Meanwhile, these tree farms often grow on soil that wouldn’t support other crops, making productive use of otherwise marginal land. ### The Biodegradability Bonus Let’s face it – real trees are 100% biodegradable! Therefore, when January rolls around, your tree can be chipped into mulch for parks and gardens. Otherwise, it might become erosion barriers for beaches or even fish habitat in lakes. Subsequently, your holiday centerpiece continues its environmental benefits long after the ornaments come down. In comparison, artificial trees eventually end up in landfills where they’ll remain for centuries. Indeed, those PVC-based trees won’t break down naturally. As such, they contribute to our growing waste problem rather than returning to the earth as nutrients. ### Sustainable Tree Farming Practices Surprisingly, Christmas tree farmers plant 1-3 seedlings for every tree harvested. Therefore, the industry is continuously regenerating its product. Furthermore, these farms often use sustainable practices like reducing pesticide use and implementing water conservation methods. In addition, tree farms help stabilize soil, protect water quality, and provide oxygen. Consequently, they deliver environmental services while producing a renewable product. In essence, buying a real tree actually helps maintain healthy forests! ### Making Your Real Tree Even Greener If you’re wondering how to maximize the environmental benefits of your real tree, here are some quick tips: 1. **Choose locally grown** – Reduce transportation emissions by buying from the closest tree farm. 2. **Look for organic options** – Some farms use natural pest management and avoid chemical fertilizers. 3. **Plan for afterlife** – Check your community’s tree recycling program before the holidays. 4. **Consider a living tree** – Trees with root balls can be planted after the holidays if your climate allows! ### The Sensory Experience Factor Beyond the environmental benefits, there’s something magical about a real tree. Naturally, the fresh pine scent, unique shape, and authentic experience connect us to nature during the winter months. **In truth**, these intangible qualities enhance our holiday traditions in ways plastic simply cannot replicate. I’ve always found that bringing a real tree into my home creates a sensory experience that makes the holidays more special. **Ultimately**, connecting with nature this way reminds us why protecting our environment matters in the first place! ### Make Your Holiday Truly Green This Year **To sum up**, real Christmas trees are renewable, biodegradable, support local economies, and help preserve agricultural land. **Therefore**, they’re the environmentally responsible choice for holiday decorating. **Above all**, they bring authentic holiday spirit into our homes while supporting sustainable farming practices. So this year, I encourage you to make the greener choice! **Indeed**, your holiday will be merrier knowing you’ve made an eco-friendly decision that supports both people and planet. --- ### Sources: 1. American Christmas Tree Association – Environmental Impact Study: [https://www.christmastreeassociation.org/education/environmental-benefits/](https://www.christmastreeassociation.org/education/environmental-benefits/) 2. National Christmas Tree Association – Tree Recycling: [https://realchristmastrees.org/all-about-trees/tree-recycling/](https://realchristmastrees.org/all-about-trees/tree-recycling/) 3. Carbon Trust – Carbon Footprint Analysis of Christmas Tree Options: [https://www.carbontrust.com/resources/carbon-footprint-christmas-trees](https://www.carbontrust.com/resources/carbon-footprint-christmas-trees) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)