Real or Fake: Which Christmas tree is better for the environment?
Short answer—real! Real trees help fight climate change, and even though your Christmas tree is cut down, you’re actually supporting forests.
Are fake Christmas trees bad for the environment?
Nearly 90% of them are shipped across the world from China, resulting in an increase of carbon emissions and resources. And because of the material they are made of, most artificial trees are not recyclable and end up in local landfills.
Why are real trees better than artificial ones?
- Real trees don’t require the intensive carbon emissions that it takes to produce and ship artificial trees.
- They’re supporting forests. Buying real trees will help keep tree farms in business—and in turn keep their lands covered in the healthy forest habitat that wildlife depends on to survive.
- Once all the festivities are done, these trees can be recycled and given a second life. Meanwhile, artificial trees are usually not recyclable and often end up filling our landfills.
But shouldn’t we avoid cutting down trees in general?
Science shows that one of the best ways to protect forests is to use them—carefully. When our forests are sustainably managed, they can produce renewable resources like Christmas trees and other wood-made products. This is important because well-maintained forests often store as much carbon as unmanaged forests, making innovative forest management methods a key solution to fighting climate change.
How is my real Christmas tree making a difference for nature?
We can cut more than 30% of the carbon emissions needed to slow climate change with natural solutions like restoring our forests. You purchasing a real Christmas tree means you’re supporting local tree farmers and helping maintain healthy forests for generations to come.
Links for more information:
www.mywaste.ie/news/are-real-or-fake-christmas-trees-better-for-the-planet/
