As the holidays approach, one of the first activities is decorating.
This process often centers around a tree.
The choice tends to boil down to two options – a real tree or an artificial tree.
There is much debate on which alternative is the more environmentally friendly option.
Real trees may be grown with pesticides, deplete forests, and travel a distance to get to us.
After the holiday, these trees need to be composted.
Artificial trees are made of petroleum-based materials, typically manufactured in and shipped from China, and need to be used for multiple years to make up for the production.
After serving it’s time in a home, these trees can’t be recycled and sit in landfills.
Triple Bottom Line
The considerations above cover the impacts to the planet when it comes to our tree selection.
Yet, planet is just one of the factors in the triple bottom line.
When deciding the right choice for your home, people and pocketbook are also factors.
Maybe someone in your home is allergic to real trees.
Maybe considering the cost of each alternative over a period of years impacts the decision.
By considering the purchase from all angles, you will find the solution that works for your home.
My Perspective
When I look at all the pros and cons, I sit on the side of a real tree.
Looking for sustainable tree farms can eliminate some of the challenges of real trees listed above.
Sustainable tree farms avoid the pesticides and plant hundreds of trees each year to replenish those cut down.
An even greener alternative is to purchase a live tree (roots and all) and then plant the tree outdoors after the holidays.
The photo below is another benefit I have enjoyed from the live trees in my home over the years.
We cut a disk from the trunk each year and decorate it.
This has created a holiday display full of memories that we enjoy every year.
Your Turn
Do you lean toward a real or artificial tree?
If you choose a real tree, could you do some research to find a sustainable tree farm?
For those with artificial trees, how do you extend the life of the tree as long as possible?