Switch to a Real Tree for an Eco-Friendly Christmas
The holidays are a festive time for spending time with loved ones and family. With the holiday rush, especially with last-minute decorations, we may choose convenient, mass-produced options over sustainable or eco-friendly alternatives. Simple switches in our holiday decisions can benefit the environment and lower our carbon footprint. One key switch is to use a real tree, not an artificial one, for an eco-friendly Christmas.
The Christmas tree is the centrepiece in homes. It is usually one of the first decoration pieces in shoppers’ minds and families scramble to find the perfect holiday tree far in advance of the holiday.
Why Choose Real Christmas Trees?
- Natural carbon capture abilities
Trees are one of nature’s carbon capture reservoirs and naturally convert CO₂ into glucose through photosynthesis. They capture an estimated 10000 grams of carbon dioxide each year. In the United States alone, 350-500 million trees grow on farms and only 30 million trees are harvested. This means there are still many trees left. Real trees help fight climate change and with the bigger picture in mind, even though you’re using a cut-down real tree for Christmas, you’re actually supporting the forests.
- Support tree farms and conservation projects
Buying real trees will help keep tree farms in business and in turn, sustain the healthy forest habits many animals and plants depend on to survive. And what’s more, once all the festivities are over, these trees can be recycled and given a second life. Most states have organizations that use donated Christmas trees for conservation and habitat projects in their local communities. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, for every tree purchased, farmers plant 1-3 seedlings in its place.
Environmental Impact of Artificial Trees
- Not recyclable
Most artificial trees are made of synthetic materials such as plastic, making them not recyclable. They therefore end up in our landfills.
- High carbon emissions
Consumers purchase 10 million artificial trees in the US alone (not looking at overall production). It takes a ton of carbon emissions to produce and ship them. Nearly 90% are shipped across the world from China, resulting in even more emissions for transportation. By choosing a real tree, we can collectively cut more than 30% of emissions.
Sustainable Holidays for a Healthy Planet
If we treat trees sustainably, we can protect them.
Our power to make a difference is as easy as 1-2-tree. This year, you can do your part for nature by picking out a real tree that is not only beautiful but good for nature too. This would get you on Santa’s “nice” list for sure.
At Green Schools Green Future, we support sustainability and all methods to reduce our carbon footprint and protect our planet!
