|
More than 6 million Christmas trees are likely to be purchased this Christmas so being informed and choosing the environmentally friendly option on this scale could make a real difference.
Trees: The Real vs. Fake debate: You'll probably hear a  range of opinions from family, friends and acquaintances but we think the simple answer is that real trees are the more eco friendly choice. Those who are pro-artificial trees will argue that they last for many years, and you save real trees from being cut down in their prime. And they are right, but unfortunately this is outweighed by the fact that most artificial trees are made from metal and derivatives of PVC. The production of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) requires large amounts of energy and also creates by-products (e.g. lead - used to 'stabilise' the PVC) which can be harmful to both the environment and human health. As an example, although designed to last for many years, the average life of an artificial tree is just 6 years and given that they are not naturally bio-degradable they will potentially pollute from landfill site for many years to come. In addition, most artificial trees sold in the U.K. are now made in Taiwan and China and so have additional embedded energy costs associated with transport.
Real trees on the other hand are carbon-neutral. They absorb as much carbon dioxide during growth as they emit when burnt or left to decompose. They are also a wildlife habitat and a naturally renewable resource. But not all real Christmas trees are whiter than white when it comes to the environment. Some are rustled from un-managed woodland and are often cut down in early stages of their growth to meet our demands for a range of home friendly sizes. This can severely disrupt dependent wildlife and many of those that are grown on a commercial scale will have been sprayed with potentially harmful pesticides and herbicides.
You could of course dispense with the indoor tree altogether and decorate an outside tree or a large houseplant, or even make a DIY structure from branches and twigs. For most of us however a traditional Christmas tree is an essential part of the festivities so here are a few guidelines to help if you want to make this a more eco-friendly choice:
- Try to find an organic or sustainably-managed producer, preferably local
- If you have the garden space, consider a living tree with roots so you can plant it out in the New Year
- Try not to not use preservative sprays to stop needle fall. If that's a problem buy one of the varieties that holds it's needles for longer, and keep it as cool as possible over the holiday. Trees that have been recently cut down in the UK will hold their needles better than imported varieties cut down weeks before so they can be shipped here in time.
- If you have purchased a cut tree then make sure you take it to your recycling centre in the New Year, most local councils run schemes now (and many Scouts groups organise collection points). Alternatively shred it yourself and use as mulch or pathing.
|