- 13 November 2022
Are Real or Artificial Christmas Trees More Sustainable?
Christmas is fast approaching and while we get ready for the silly season, let’s keep sustainability on our priority list. One way we can make a sustainable choice this Christmas is to have a sustainable Christmas Tree. There is a lot that goes into choosing a Christmas tree; real tree advocates boast about the fresh pine smell and artificial tree lovers about not having to clean up pine needles. But how many of us consider which is the most sustainable option?
So, which is more sustainable a real or artificial Christmas Tree? Find out below.
Whilst chopping down trees doesn’t sound like a very environmentally friendly solution at first glance choosing a real Christmas Tree has many benefits:
iIt produces less greenhouse gas emissions:
Whilst it is true that artificial trees are reusable, to have the same carbon footprint as a real Christmas Tree which was wood-chipped or burned, an artificial tree would have to be used over 12 times!
It creates less waste:
Real trees are readily biodegradable and thus take less time to break down in landfills when compared to the plastic that artificial trees are made of. Even less time is needed if the real trees are repurposed via wood-chipping or burning.
Producing a real Christmas tree has environmental benefits whereas producing artificial trees has the opposite effect:
Production of a real Christmas Tree supports land use for forestry which means improved air quality, habitat for insects and birds, and more carbon absorption for the planet! Whereas the production of artificial Christmas trees involves the sourcing of petroleum-based chemicals, cancer-causing chemical production in manufacturing, and emissions associated with importation from countries across Asia.
Supports the local economy:
As we import artificial trees and grow the real trees locally, we are also given a unique opportunity to support local Australians by choosing to have a real tree in our home this Christmas!
Therefore, the most sustainable option is to head down to your local Christmas tree farm and pick out a top-notch tree, and once the celebrations are done and dusted, chop it up and put it in your green waste bin or pop it on the car and take it down to your green waste recovery centre.
But what if a real tree just isn’t an option?
If you’re reading this and thinking that despite all the benefits of a real tree you would still rather get an artificial tree but want to do your part for the planet, the best option for you is to use the tree you have, and the next time you’re due to replace your artificial tree, opt for a high-quality option that will last you more than 12 years.
