If you are trying to adopt a green lifestyle, you may find yourself conflicted when thinking about Christmas trees. What should you do? Is purchasing an artificial tree and reusing it year after year more eco-friendly than using a real tree each year? Below are a list of pros and cons for both artificial and real Christmas trees.
Artificial Pros:
– New artificial trees are looking more and more realistic every year.
– Some artificial trees come with snow and pre-lit lights, so they can be time-savers too.
– Artificial trees are more convenient than real trees.
– Artificial trees are most budget-friendly. An artificial tree can last for years.
– Artificial trees don’t normally lose needles like real trees.
– Artificial tress don’t need to be watered.
Artificial Cons:
– An artificial tree is often made of non-renewable petroleum, which means it can’t be recycled and if it catches on fire, it can release toxic fumes.
– Artificial trees don’t have that wonderful smell of a real tree.
– The majority of artificial trees sold in America are made in China. This means that you cannot be sure of the type of working conditions to which the employees are subjected.
– You will need to find space within your home to store the artificial tree until next Christmas.
– Artificial trees can accumulate dust, allergens, and mold.
Real Pros:
– Real trees have that incredible smell!
– Purchasing a real tree each year makes for a wonderful family tradition.
– Real trees are recyclable and biodegradable.
– When you purchase a real tree, you are supporting a local farmer.
– When growing, real trees emit oxygen while absorbing carbon dioxide.
Real Cons:
– Real trees can present a fire hazard.
– You have to check the water for a real tree or risk the chance of it dying before Christmas.
– Real trees drop needles, so there will be more vacuuming to do.
– A real tree can only last about six weeks at best.
So as you can see, there are pros and cons for each type of Christmas tree. Another alternative is a living tree – one that you plant after the season is over.
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