The Greenest Tree: Is Your Christmas Tree Eco-Friendly?
According to the , about 29 million Americans brought home a real, live Christmas tree in 2006. But that still pales in comparison to the 70% of Americans who prefer to set up an artificial tree. So which is greener? Here’s how to make sure your Christmas tree is eco-friendly:
The Green Parent Pick: Go get a real tree. Sure, it means cutting down a tree. But these days nearly all Christmas trees are grown on tree farms. So deforestation is not an issue and it is really no different than harvesting corn or any other crop. From a global warming perspective, sustainable tree farms actually provide a continued “sink” for carbon dioxide emissions. And real trees are not made from PVC plastics that are harmful to the planet. Just be selective about the tree farm you choose to buy from and look for one that does not use an excess of pesticides and other chemicals.
Green Parent Tip: Get the family together and head out to your local tree farm to cut your own Christmas tree. Surf over to to see if there is an organic tree farm in your area. When the holidays are over, toss your undecorated tree in the backyard to provide wildlife habitat or in the compost bin for next year’s mulch.
Live Trees: A live, potted Christmas trees may seem like a good option for Green Parents, however, you have to make sure that you live in an area where your tree will thrive once it is planted. In addition, live trees are truly not meant to endure the warm temperatures inside your home. So it’s best to either leave it outside or bring it in for only a few days during the season.
Green Parent Tip: If you really want a live tree, your best bet would be to find a suitable tree in your backyard, and decorate it (with eco-friendly decorations, of course) right where it stands.
Artificial trees: Artificial trees require the use of a significant amount of energy and petroleum-based (PVC) resources in their manufacture. In addition, most artificial trees today are manufactured in China, and are literally shipped halfway around the world to their destinations. And there are also some new concerns about residues of lead and other chemicals on artificial trees.
However, if you are going to buy one tree that you are sure you will use and reuse year after year for the next few decades, the environmental damage caused by producing and shipping your tree would be minimal when averaged out over the lifespan of the tree. And just think of all the gas and energy you will save from year to year by not having to head out to the local Christmas tree farm.
Green Parent Tip: Purchase an artifical tree that is made in the U.S.A to minimize the pollution and resource consumption caused by shipping. (Check out and for aritificial trees that are 100% lead free and made in the U.S.A.) Reuse the same tree from year to year.
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Great tips! Our Christmas tree is one my parent’s had for about 5 years and we’ve used it the last 7. Next year it moves on to my younger brother and the really big one my parent’s have now (8 years) is moving on to us! We’ve cut down trees before… but I see no point in these being tossed when they’re in perfect condition, plus it’s family tradition now
Great point Rachel! What a great green family tradition.
We have an artificial tree, but we’ve had it for about 5 years now. My mother’s artificial tree… let’s just say I don’t even know how long that has been around. Pretty much my entire life.
I figure if you already own one, the artificial one is probably the greenest. Not the prettiest, but there’s no more environmental cost to using it.
The area we live in provides places to dump your natural trees to be made into mulch. Not a bad option if you can’t wait for it to happen in your own yard.
Excellent info Jenn!
I just updated yesterday’s eco tuesday post about recycling christmas tree’s and added your link to the post at http://www.taraburner.com/blog/eco-tuesdays/eco-tuesday-recycling-your-christmas-tree.html because your info goes hand in hand with what I had from yesterday!
I think it is important to teach our kids to think “Green” even at Christmas. Here is a wonderful way to have a environmentally friendly Christmas Tree. Check it out at http://www.greenearthfriend.com/2008/12/18/environmentally-friendly-christmas-trees/
I’m thinking about buying artificial and looked at the two sites you suggest. They look great with after holiday specials. Question though — what about the flame retardency of the artificial trees? Do you know if I’m just adding another chemical to my house? If so, does anyone know how bad it is for us or what the dangers might be? I just don’t want to give up one problem for another. THanks!
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