Let Heaven and Nature Sing: Are Real or Artificial Christmas Trees Better for the Environment?

Image: Eleanor’s tree and her cat Otis

By Eleanor Anderson

As the days get shorter, winds get colder and roads get snowier, there is no better time to deck the halls for the holidays. In the United States, nearly 100 million people display a Christmas tree, and more families choose artificial trees over live ones each year. For the Christmas-loving environmentalists, Christmas trees seem like a lose-lose situation; purchase trees made from plastic that will end up in landfills or oceans for centuries or chop down living trees and contribute to deforestation. 

So, which is better for the environment? The answer is not as straightforward as one might hope, but it leans towards real trees. Ultimately, the impact comes down to type of consumer.

If you purchase an artificial tree, the best thing to do is reuse the same tree for 5-10 year though. However, this won’t eliminate environmental damage because the plastic necessary to make artificial trees contains pollutants with significant longevity. These microplastics can exist in the ocean for thousands of years, harming wildlife and threatening natural resources. On top of that, 90% of all artificial trees are made in China and the international shipping of these trees will create significant carbon emissions. Extending the life of an artificial tree can minimize the footprint left behind by each household.

When ethically sourced and responsibly disposed of, they can actually benefit the environment and mitigate climate change. To have a lasting business model, Christmas tree farms end up planting more trees than are chopped each year. Each tree takes roughly 7 years to hit the standard 6-foot-tree seen in most households. During that time, trees absorb carbon in the air, reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. Despite their ability to absorb carbon, live trees are not without risk. Chemicals used to expedite tree growth can augment foliage contaminate runoff to local water sources and prevent the tree from being recycled into wood chips or agricultural feed after the season. Similarly, if households choose to burn the tree after the holidays, most of the carbon absorbed during tree growth is expelled back into the atmosphere as the tree burns.

Neither real nor artificial trees are perfect for conservation, but as long as conscientious decisions are made, there is nothing saying that decorating a Christmas tree needs to happen at the expense of reducing climate change. Don’t let a passion for environmentalism get in the way of this holiday season; hang lights and ornaments on your tree (real or artificial) and remember that responsible consumption goes a long way. Happy holidays!