The Christmas tree: it’s a quintessential part of the holiday season. But it turns out not all festive trees are made equal — at least not when it comes to environmental friendliness.
So, which is better for the planet — a freshly cut tree or a fake one?
The short answer, which may come as a surprise to some, is a real tree. But it’s actually more complicated than that.
It ultimately depends on a variety of factors, including how far you drive to get your evergreen and how you dispose of it at the end of the holidays and, if you choose an artificial tree, how long you end up using it.
Here’s an explainer on how to make the more Earth-friendly choice this Christmas season:
The bottom line
All things being equal, it seems real Christmas trees are better for the health of the Earth and of your family. But depending on a variety of factors, either option can be a good choice.
If you have an artificial tree, reuse it for at least a decade and consider choosing a domestically manufactured, non-PVC option. If you want a real tree, get one close to where you live, and recycle or compost it when the season is over.
Real or fake which option will you pick this year? Tell us in the comments.
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