Real or fake Christmas tree? Here’s what’s best for the environment and how to recycle it
It’s almost time to dust off and plug in lights, hang ornaments and prop up a holiday tree.
But before you hit the Christmas tree farm or the store to pick up an artificial shrub, here’s what you should know about being sustainable and environmentally conscious this season.
Real Christmas tree or fake?
Should presents be nestled under a real Christmas tree or an artificial one? To each their own, but there are benefits to a fresh-cut conifer.
If you’re looking for a low-carbon emission option, consider a real tree.
According to the Nature Conservancy, almost 90% of artificial trees are shipped from China and are usually made with plastics and metal, which result in carbon emissions. They are also non-recyclable and typically end up in landfills.
Real trees, on the other hand, have a lower carbon footprint, if they are disposed of and recycled properly, according to Carbon Trust, a collective of international experts on climate change and decarbonization.
Real trees absorb carbon dioxide and generate oxygen when they are being grown.
“Christmas Trees farms stabilize the soil, protect water supplies and support complex eco-systems,” according to the National Christmas Tree Association. And after the trees are harvested for Christmas, farmers add new seedlings to keep the cycle going.
What if I can’t have a real tree?
Some people might not be able to have a real tree in their home due to allergies or because of the rising costs of Christmas trees.
To offset the environmental impact of artificial trees compared to real ones, you’ll need to reuse your fake tree for 10 years, according to Carbon Trust.
So be sure you’re picking one you’ll be happy with for that amount of time.
How do I properly recycle my real tree?
Christmas trees are biodegradable and can be recycled or reused as mulch — a return to nature. Some ways you can properly dispose of your tree, according to the NCTA, include the following:
Leave it on the curb for pick up: If you’re in the Sacramento area, look out for the city’s leaf collection service, also known as “The Claw.”
Throw it in your yard waste trash can: You might want to cut it, so it’ll fit.
Look for a tree recycling service: In the Sacramento area, you can find holiday tree recycling programs here.
This story was originally published November 26, 2021 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Real or fake Christmas tree? Here’s what’s best for the environment and how to recycle it."