Environmental Impacts of Christmas Trees: Real vs. Artificial Trees

Each year, when it comes time to start decorating for the Christmas Holidays, one question always seems to enter our minds: What is more sustainable and environmentally friendly — a natural or a fake Christmas tree?

It seems as though no matter what option you go with, each type of tree has its environmental advantages and drawbacks.

Pros and Cons of a Real Christmas Tree:

Many people originally think of real trees as more sustainable because they contribute to fighting global warming through carbon sequestration and are compostable at the end of their use. But when you look at the big picture, it is not so simple. Christmas tree farms often displace biodiverse natural ecosystems. Another factor to consider is that trees absorb the most carbon in the first 20 years of their lifespan and Christmas trees are usually cut down much sooner. This means that these trees aren’t reaching their ultimate carbon-absorbing potential.

While receiving a permit and getting out into the wilderness to chop down your own tree seems like a fun and eco-friendly alternative, you may be disrupting the wildlife living in the area.

Cutting down a tree this Christmas?

Offset your Christmas tree by planting more!

Benefits and Disadvantages of an Artificial Christmas Tree:

The best thing about a fake Christmas tree is that it can be reused year after year. It also does not need fertilizers and pesticides that are harmful to our environment.

On the other hand, artificial trees are often made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is one of the worst plastics as it pollutes our planet across its entire lifespan. Trees made from PVC are difficult to recycle and typically end up in a landfill where they release even more greenhouse gases. Artificial Christmas trees are also usually made in factories overseas and there are many greenhouse gas emissions associated with the shipping and packaging of these trees.

Is a real Christmas tree or a fake Christmas tree more sustainable?

A study conducted by Ellipsos and the American Christmas Tree Association about the comparative lifecycle of artificial versus natural Christmas trees found that real trees generate less greenhouse gas emissions per Holiday season than artificial ones, but that this changes the longer your artificial tree is around because the emissions are then divided over many years.

Eco-Friendly Christmas Tree Options

🌲 Make your own Christmas tree

Mix some creativity into your holiday festivities this year and make your own Christmas tree out of upcycled materials.

DIY Christmas Tree Inspiration:

🌲 Purchase a live, potted Christmas tree

There are many companies across Canada that are making it possible to have a live Christmas tree in your home without cutting one down. If you’re set on purchasing a real tree, support businesses that are committed to either recycling or re-planting the trees back into the ground after the holidays. Another option is to find a live, potted Christmas tree that you can plant in your own backyard when you are done having it inside your home.

🌲 Find a secondhand fake Christmas tree

If you’re going to get an artificial Christmas tree this year, commit to buying secondhand instead of purchasing new. An artificial tree has to be in circulation for at least 8-10 years – but ideally longer – to reduce its carbon footprint. So if you can, find a good quality Christmas tree at the secondhand store and take good care of it with proper storage.

🌲 Turn a plant you already own into a Christmas tree

Who says that your Christmas tree must be a fir tree? Decorate a plant you already have at home with ornaments, put a present underneath, and boom – you’ve got yourself a Christmas tree!

🌲 Decorate a tree in your backyard

This year, take things outdoors, and instead of traditionally having your Christmas tree inside your home, decorate a tree that is already planted in your own backyard. Not only does this take away the struggle of choosing between purchasing a real or artificial tree, but this option also allows your neighbors to enjoy your Christmas tree as well!