I was in a discussion this weekend with a friend that sparked a whole process of thinking for me. I wanted to get your opinions.

There are a lot of people blogging about not cutting down Christmas trees for Christmas. They talk about non-plastic tree alternatives and give a lot  of advice to use live trees etc.

I started thinking about it and wondering if live trees are  really as bad for the environment as everyone is assuming they are.

Clearly from an environmental stand point using a live tree is the best choice. But for some people that isn’t a good or available option. So that would leave the dilemma of real tree vs. fake tree. I have to vote real, organic or at least locally grown. If you can get an organic tree then it is great, you avoid the whole pesticide arguement. If you can’t  try to buy local or cut your own with your family and use it as a chance to teach your children about agriculture, or traditions.  Real trees are regenerated each year by the tree farmers so there is no loss of trees to society also, Christmas trees capture carbon dioxide. They typically require no irrigation water. And they’re raised in their natural region.
A Christmas tree’s growing cycle lasts from five to 10 years, far longer than the annual crops that would be grown on the agricultural land they occupy. That means fewer pesticide applications, the farmers say, and less tillage, which exposes soil to erosion.  Once the season is over you can recycle your tree by having it ground into mulch either for you or to be donated. You can also search for composting alternatives in your community.

Fake trees are made from PVC, they contain lead, and other additives that are then in your home, exposing your family to more chemicals. The Children’s Health Environmental Coalition warns that fake trees “may shed lead-laced dust, which may cover branches or shower gifts and the floor below the tree.” Also, 85% of our fake trees in North America come from China.  Once you are done with your fake tree it is probably not recyclable which means more landfill waste. I go out of my way everyday to avoid plastic at home and at work, why would I put it up as a decoration in my home?

People are making alternatives to Christmas trees now out of recycled aluminum but I just can’t see convincing my family that is the family Christmas tree. I live as organically and environmentally as possible (I even save my cooking water for watering my plants) but I can’t give up my Christmas tree. I look forward to it all year long. I choose to be responsible with the disposal of the tree rather than sacrifice the tradition that means so much to my family. I also feel good knowing I haven’t contributed to adding chemicals to our planet, and supporting questionable labor laws by purchasing a tree made in China.

How do you feel about the Christmas tree dilemma? Are organic trees easy for you to find? What about buying local?

-Sheri

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