What is more eco-friendly; a real or fake Christmas tree?11 December 2022 | Admin There is a lot of debate over which is more eco-friendly, a real or fake Christmas tree. Here we’ll take a look at the reasons why a real Christmas tree is a better option for your home or office. However, as we’ll explain, this doesn’t mean you need to do anything drastic and throw your fake Christmas tree out anytime soon! Why real Christmas trees are more eco-friendlySustainabilityReal Christmas trees are generally farmed sustainably which reduces the environmental impact associated with their production and transportation. There is a minimal carbon footprint associated with producing real Christmas trees compared to artificial ones. In fact, real Christmas trees contribute to reducing overall carbon emissions by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in their trunks. Therefore, you could argue that even if you have to drive somewhere to pick up your Christmas tree, you are offsetting some of that carbon monoxide from your car by buying a real tree. Whereas fake Christmas trees generally contain PVC which is a petroleum-based plastic that is non-biodegradable and causes a lot of environmental harm when it is disposed of. Artificial trees also require lots of energy to produce and transport and as a result, release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Additionally, artificial Christmas trees are made up of many different parts and a lot of them cannot be recycled or reused after their lifespan is over. ReusabilityBoth real and fake Christmas trees can be reused year after year. However, it’s much better for the environment to replant and reuse a real Christmas tree. This Gardening Know How guide will explain how you can replant your tree successfully. Real trees are a renewable resource and can be used as a habitat for birds and other wildlife in your garden. Alternatively, you can use the needles of a Christmas tree in your compost bin and for mulching. You can also use the trunk and branches of real Christmas trees to make firewood and woodchips.
However, if you have a fake Christmas tree and it is in good condition then the best thing you can do for the environment is to continue to use the tree year after year until it is no longer in a good enough condition to use. This way you will be keeping it out of landfill and getting the most out of the product. Health & wellbeing benefitsReal Christmas trees are a great way to reconnect with nature and to gain a greater appreciation for the natural world around us. Real trees are also better for our health and wellbeing because they boost our immune systems by exposing us to higher levels of bacteria and other microorganisms that are good for us. Real Christmas trees also provide people with a breath of fresh air that can help to improve their mood and promote positive mental health during the festive season. And of course, the scent of a real Christmas tree can’t be beaten! The natural scent can even help people feel calmer and more relaxed during the holiday season. Another benefit of real Christmas trees is that every tree is different. This means you get to have your own unique tree in your home and one that you might have picked out as a family or with your friends, making it extra special. If you’re looking for some extra special eco-friendly decorations for your tree and your home then be sure to check out our Eco-Friendly Christmas Decorations blog for inspiration.
Why you shouldn’t throw away your fake Christmas tree just yet!One of the main benefits of having a fake Christmas tree is that they usually cost less money and can be used over and over again, with minimal fuss. To use a real Christmas tree over and over again, you will need to maintain it throughout the years, or buy a new one each year. However, you could argue that fake Christmas trees are also not as durable and long-lasting as real trees which makes them a poor investment for most people because they are not worth the amount of money that it costs to buy them in the first place. But, as we mentioned earlier, if you already own a fake Christmas tree that is in a good condition, we would recommend re-using this until it reached the end of its life, rather than throwing it in the bin and sending it off to a landfill. Alternatively, if you like the idea of having a real tree but have a fake tree already then you could look into donating your tree to a charity or a friend or family member who needs one, so it isn’t going to waste.
Final thoughtsIf you are thinking about purchasing a Christmas tree this year, we would recommend that you choose a real tree instead of a fake one because it is a far better option for the environment as well as your own health. But, please consider reusing or donating a fake Christmas tree, rather than just throwing it away!
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