Real vs. Fake Christmas trees: Experts debate which is better for the environment

Pine or plastic – which Christmas tree is better for the planet?

For those who are aware of the environment, the question of the needle remains something of a puzzling one. While artificial fir trees can be used year after year, they are also made from so-called “toxic” materials that experts have said are harmful to the environment.

However, getting the real thing? Well, that means cutting down trees.

Experts have now weighed in on the debate – it turns out they are FIR from united on the sticky topic, with some telling NPR that real trees are the winner, while others say faux is fine, just as long as it’s reused.

Tim O’Connor, executive director of the National Christmas Tree Association, on the one hand, said real trees are a “no-brainer” that “are far superior to the environment.”

“Let’s start with a natural product versus a product that’s made from oil,” he said.

“If [people] want to do what’s best for the environment, if they want to support a family farmer, if they want to have some kind of Christmas experience for their family that’s authentic, that includes something from nature…it’s a pretty simple decision .” O’Connor said.

Meanwhile, Darby Hoover of the Natural Resources Defense Council revealed to NPR that artificial trees are “made almost entirely of plastic.”

“And the most common polymer used to make artificial trees is PVC, polyvinyl chloride, which is a particularly toxic form of plastic that is toxic to manufacture, use and dispose of,” she noted.

But some studies show artificial trees have their own environmental benefits as long as they’re up for at least five holiday seasons, NPR reported.

“It doesn’t make business easier for us, selling more trees when they last this long, but it’s certainly good for the environment,” said Mac Harman, CEO of Balsam Hill, adding that some customers have kept artificial trees. for almost 20 years.

Environmental experts, however, beg to differ.

“The common misconception starts with longevity,” Rosa Rivera of the nonprofit One Tree Planted told ABC News last year.

“Artificial Christmas trees can last for many years if well cared for, which seems to make them the obvious sustainable choice, but they do have drawbacks,” she said.

In fact, Christmas tree farms help produce oxygen and buying locally helps support small family businesses. Not to mention, the trees can be recycled and turned into mulch, Rivera recalled.

The production of artificial trees, on the other hand, leaves behind a large carbon footprint. According to the expert, the production of just one artificial tree creates 88 pounds of carbon dioxide.

Meanwhile, those really serious about minimizing their holiday footprint can simply plant their own Christmas tree, suggested NRDC’s Hoover.

“I think the best option is to use a plant that is already in your life or that you want to buy and keep in your life,” she said.

“So instead of buying a plant that’s going to be cut down, why not repurpose a tree that’s already on your property or a really fancy potted plant that’s already in your home?”