Real Trees vs. Artificial Trees

The common myth is that re-using an artificial tree is better for the environment then cutting down a new tree each year, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. Most artifical trees are made from petroleum based chemicals that are not renewable and emit carbon into the atmosphere. The majority of artificial trees are produced in China, which means they have to be shipped here causing more greenhouse gases to be released.

Not only are they bad for the environment, but when they catch on fire they release harmful chemicals which is bad for your family too. Sure, you can re-use them each year (the average lifespan is 6 years), but when you finally decide to throw it away (they're not recyclable), it will sit in a landfill for thousands of years.

Real Christmas trees are a renewable resource that breathe in carbon and release fresh oxygen, "each acre of trees produces enough oxygen for the daily needs of 18 people" (Earth911.com). Every year, Christmas tree farmers replant saplings to make it a zero net exchange of resources. By getting a tree from a local farm you are reducing the amount of carbon that it takes to get a tree to your home while investing that money back into your local economy. When Christmas is over you can recycle your tree and know that a new tree will be planted in its place.

Click here to download a comparison chart created by the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA)