The Environmental Benefits of Real Christmas Trees over Artificial Ones

Ellie Green
Authored by Ellie Green
Posted: Monday, October 28, 2024 - 16:27

With the holidays just around the corner, many of us often ask the same question: should we get a real or artificial tree? As environmental issues are growing continuously, this can pose a difficult choice.

Contrary to popular belief, live trees provide major environmental advantages over their synthetic counterparts. Getting your hands on a fresh, real fir has also never been easier as live Christmas tree delivery services are as popular as ever.

So, let’s investigate some of the pros of natural evergreens. With the following points in mind, you can ensure that your holiday celebrations are both green and jolly.

Live Christmas Trees: A Breath of Fresh Air

The fact that natural firs improve air quality is among the strongest arguments that encourage selecting one. They grow on farms, absorbing the carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the air. Every tree participates in a natural cycle that lowers greenhouse gas emissions.

A tree grows for seven to ten years before it is cut down. As it develops, it both eliminates air pollutants and provides a natural habitat for animals. Thanks to this, real trees have a practically negligible carbon footprint.

On the other hand, artificial conifers depend on non-renewable resources like PVC plastic and emit notable amounts of carbon dioxide.

Moreover, with more real Christmas tree delivery firms emerging every day, helping nearby farms has never been more practical. Having a lovely, fresh tree delivered right to your house can help minimise the need for car trips and, hence–help lower emissions.

Renewable and Recyclable: Nature's Perfect Cycle

Real Christmas evergreens are a sustainable resource. Each one that gets cut is replaced with another, therefore guaranteeing an ongoing cycle.

Every Christmas tree farm in the United Kingdom, for example, boasts more than 350 million trees, each helping nature thrive.

These conifers are also easily recyclable once the holiday season ends. Many communities have curbside collecting initiatives.

Thus, your tree can be converted into mulch or compost, further helping the nearby parks and green areas. Some farms even let you return your Christmas tree to them for mulching or replanting.

By contrast, synthetic trees are constructed from non-biodegradable materials. Most artificial options are manufactured from PVC, a non-recyclable material derived from petroleum.

Usually, after being used for several years, these trees wind up in landfills, where they will spend many decades without decomposing.

So, selecting a real tree guarantees a sustainable decision that prevents long-lasting environmental damage.

Supporting Local Economies and Reducing Carbon Footprints

Opting for a live holiday tree also helps local businesses, not just the environment. Many family-run farms often cultivate real Christmas trees. This enhances rural employment and supports small businesses.

Buying a genuine tree helps you support these start-ups and guarantees that your money goes to the right cause.

Purchasing a conifer planted on a nearby farm also lowers the carbon footprint caused by transportation. This is especially true if you choose a tree delivery service that employs environmentally friendly vehicles or delivery techniques.

By contrast, artificial ones are sometimes produced abroad. Since many of them come from China, they must be transported thousands of miles. This, therefore, causes carbon emissions.

The Healthier Choice for Your Home

Real Christmas trees are better for your house as well as the planet. Sometimes, artificial trees include dangerous compounds, such as lead, which is used to stabilise PVC.

With time, these start deteriorating and become a health hazard to your family, including small children and pets.

On the other hand, live evergreens bring a piece of nature into your house and enrich it with fresh pine, fir, or spruce aromas. Not only is that natural smell appealing, but it has also been scientifically proven to reduce stress.

Live Christmas tree delivery companies now provide trees that have been meticulously cleaned. This ensures that any extra dust and pollen won’t reach your house. This is particularly great for people who suffer from allergies.

Debunking the Longevity Myth

Durability is often used as justification for choosing artificial trees. Most people believe that they are more sustainable since they have longer lifespans. However, this isn’t entirely true.

Fake trees can last for many years. However, their environmental impact during manufacturing, distribution, and ultimate disposal is often disregarded. A synthetic conifer should be used for at least ten years to offset the environmental harm it creates.

Still, many individuals change their synthetic firs significantly more often. This can be due to wear and tear or simply updating their holiday décor.

By comparison, real trees are a renewable resource. Even if you buy a new one every year, their environmental impact is less significant. This is especially true with recycling and replanting programs in place.

This helps ensure that every tree purchased contributes positively to the environment, supports local economies, and promotes sustainability in our communities.

A Christmas Tradition That Gives Back

Choosing a real holiday fir each year is a cherished tradition that fosters family bonding and creates lasting memories.

Whether you opt for a live tree delivery or a jolly afternoon on a local farm, this experience will bring you and your loved ones closer during the holidays. The excitement of picking out a tree and decorating it as a family creates a sense of togetherness and joy.

This tradition not only improves your home with the added beauty of a natural tree, but also serves as a reminder of the time spent with your family. That way, by observing the tradition, you are making each Christmas truly special.

Conclusion

In a world where environmental issues are a rising concern, choosing between a real and fake Christmas tree can seem like a minor detail.

However, going for a live one is an easy way to do something to help protect the planet. Besides, real trees absorb carbon dioxide and support local economies.

So, go for an exquisite natural tree this year and do some good in the world. Your home will look amazing, your family will be more cheerful, and you'll help Mother Nature as well.

Happy Holidays!