Real versus artificial.
There’s been a lot of debate over which type of Christmas tree is more environmentally friendly.
While it may seem like a better choice, many environmental experts suggest skipping the artificial tree if you can and putting up a real one.
Jennifer Gagne, the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Coordinator, Conservation Biology for Central Ontario East, says a real tree’s impact on biodiversity and climate change make it the better choice.
When it comes to biodiversity, she says many trees are 10 years old before they are cut down meaning they have a decade of providing habitat for wildlife and stabilizing soil.
She adds real trees actually help mitigate climate change as they are usually replaced once cut down and they store carbon while they’re growing.
“A lot of these trees, even after they’re cut can be mulched or turned into compost so that carbon is still going back to the soil. And also they don’t have the emissions produced during manufacturing the way that an artificial tree would. And they’re also typically picked up locally so there’s less emission produced through transportation.”
Several municipalities collect trees after the holidays and turn them into mulch or compost for city properties.
Gagne says real trees can also continue to be a home for wildlife.
“You can also leave your trees outside and they can be used for wildlife habitat and protection over the winter. Sometimes people just even leave it by waterways because they provide habitat there too.”
And while there are arguments to be made that an artificial tree may be better for the environment because many people keep them for five to ten years or even longer, Gagne believes real is still more beneficial.
“But they’re not looking at the disposal of that tree, you know, the plastic that’s produced, how it’s not really recyclable. So they’re not looking at what’s ending up in the landfill so much, it’s just looking at energy costs.”
She adds that you also can’t beat the smell of a real tree or the memories many of us have of the family experiences when cutting them down.
And if an artificial tree is still be the best option for some people depending on their circumstances, Gagne says there are other ways to be a little more environmentally conscious over the holiday season.
We can also think about what we’re putting on our tree.
“I mean we buy a lot of plastic and bulbs and, you know, trends come and go. And with wrapping paper too and everything, there’s always better options. You know there’s a lot that we can’t recycle in wrapping paper and, you know, tinsel, and all that.”
Click here for some eco-friendly wrapping ideas.
Gagne says even being conscious about what gifts we’re buying for people can lessen our impact on the environment.
And while green or sustainable gifts are nice, Gagne says in many cases, simply spending time with friends and loved ones is enough for many people.
