Don’t know if you should go for a real or artificial Christmas tree? Check out Evergreen Digital Partners’ report on the impact of the two products to make an environmentally friendly choice.
Decorating the Christmas tree is one of those traditions that is a must for most families to get into the jolly spirit. But as awareness of the environmental impact of consumerism is rising, you might be wondering if you should go for a real Christmas tree or an artificial one. In Evergreen Digital Partners' environmental report on Christmas trees, you'll get a deeper understanding of the sustainability of your options.
>>Find the full report here: https://www.chooserealnotplastic.com
A 2023 article from CNN reported that 77% of Americans who had a Christmas tree at home were choosing an artificial one. Supply chain issues during the pandemic played a big part in the plastic tree boom, but they have steadily increased in popularity since the 90s.
While you may think an artificial Christmas tree is more environmentally friendly, the article reveals that 90% of the trees in 2023 were imported from China, with the rest mainly being imported from Cambodia and Mexico.
With the new report, Evergreen Digital Partners wants to help you make informed decisions before buying this year’s Christmas tree.
“Right now, millions of households are decorating plastic trees, unaware that their festive choice is contributing to microplastic pollution, toxic emissions, and mountains of non-biodegradable waste,” a company spokesperson said. “And the reality is, this harm isn’t a mystery—it’s just been carefully hidden by decades of marketing spin funded by industries profiting from cheap plastic production.”
A majority of artificial trees are made from oil-based plastic, PVC, which is not a biodegradable material but instead is left to decompose in landfills for hundreds of years. While reusable, most trees are only used for a few years before being thrown out, contributing to the five billion tons of waste that consumer habits create every year.
The production of artificial trees is also energy-intensive and adds to a considerable amount of carbon emissions.
Additionally, artificial trees, especially those with glitter or fake snow, shed microplastics that can be found in oceans, soil, and even human bodies.
Real Christmas trees, on the other hand, release oxygen and capture carbon dioxide as they grow. In fact, just one acre of trees produces enough oxygen for 18 people on a daily basis.
Given that the trees have not been sprayed with pesticides, they do not emit any harmful toxins into the home or at the end of their life cycle. They can be used for mulching, wildlife habitats, and erosion control, making them an overall more environmentally friendly option.
>>Learn more about why you should choose a real Christmas tree at: https://www.chooserealnotplastic.com
