The Christmas tree has a long and debated history.
Some say the tradition dates back to 16th-century Germany, while others credit an engraving published in the 1840s of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and their children around a decorated tree, for popularising Christmas trees. Queen Victoria had apparently adopted the family tradition of decorating a tree as a child.
These days, decorated trees are common around the world as a focal point of Christmas decor and a place to nestle gifts below.
If you’re concerned about excess waste and its impact on the planet, choosing a Christmas tree is a real dilemma, but the answer isn’t cut and dry.
Instead, the sustainability of real versus artificial Christmas trees depends on depends on circumstance and a number of other factors, including the trees’ production, use, and disposal.
Do you already own an artificial tree? The best thing to do is keep using it!
Beyond that, there are some other things to consider:
Artificial trees
Artificial trees are made primarily from PVC and metal, which are resource-intensive and non-biodegradable. The manufacturing process generates significant emissions.
The biggest challenge is that once you are done using them, artificial trees are not recyclable and can persist in landfills for many years.
Trees are also often made in other countries like China and imported into the country before you buy them, adding to their carbon footprint.
One comparative life cycle assessment by Ellipsos in 2009 reports an artificial tree has a carbon footprint of ~40 kg CO₂, significantly higher than a single real tree. However this study was carried out 15 years ago, and production processes have likely changed in the interim.
Real trees
Local producers say takes around four years to grow the average living-room friendly-size Christmas tree, with significant water consumption during that time, though it depends on the environment and rainfall for the area.
Raising trees also may involve pesticide use, and if grown off-site from where they are purchased, involve transportation emissions.
The upsides for real trees are a bit more varied as they help absorb carbon dioxide, the farms may contribute to biodiversity, provide habitats for various species and utilise land that might otherwise remain unused or converted to non-green uses.
Getting rid of them after Christmas Day also has less impact as they can be mulched or composted, but improper disposal like sending it to landfill or burning can release methane, a greenhouse gas.
The Ellipsos study points out that found that the carbon footprint of a real tree is significantly lower than that of an artificial tree if used for one year. Real trees have an average carbon footprint of ~3.1 kg CO₂.
For another option, you could always plant your own in a pot.
What to choose
If you’re looking to decorate a Christmas tree in your home this year, the most important thing to consider is your plans to reuse and store a tree.
If you can not house and reuse a tree, going for a real one is probably the better choice. Try and buy from a local, sustainable provider.
If you have the potential to re-use your tree over a number of years, it’s wiser to choose an artificial tree.
- Short-term Use (1-5 years): Real trees are generally more environmentally friendly.
- Long-term Use (10+ years): Artificial trees may become more sustainable if reused consistently.
While you’re at it, consider how you will decorate your tree too. If you buy decorations, consider only adding one heirloom piece a year you will hold onto, rather than changing themes each year with cheap, plastic decor that will go to waste.
