Real or Fake Christmas Trees?

Wednesday, 07 December 2016

We’re getting ready to rock around the Christmas tree but if you haven’t already bought yours, are you wondering whether to go for a real or fake Christmas tree? Do you know just how environmentally friendly a real tree actually is and how it compares to a fake one? We have all the facts plus how to get rid of your real tree in an environmentally friendly way. Read on…

The Facts

An artificial tree is normally made from plastic which comes from oil which makes up for two thirds of its carbon footprint. A further quarter of its environmental impact comes from the industrial emissions when it is being manufactured.

A 2m artificial tree has a carbon footprint equivalent of 40kg of greenhouse gas emissions. This is TWICE the level of a real tree which is disposed of in landfill. However if you choose a more environmentally friendly way of disposing of your tree such as burning it then a fake tree has TEN times more emissions. In other words, if you have an artificial tree you would need to re-use if for at least ten years before it became as good an option as a real tree.

The way in which you dispose of your real tree is the most important factor. If you burn your tree on your bonfire, plant it or get it chipped it reduces its greenhouse emissions by up to 80%!

Benefits of an artificial tree:

• Cost. They are normally less than real trees and can/should be re-used for many years.
• Ease. Just bring it out the attic each year and decorate it. Some even have lights already built in.
• Suitable in surroundings where real trees are not possible (hospitals, places were flammability is a big issue etc.
• No needles all over the floor.
• No disposal issue

Benefits of a real tree:

• Environmental impact
• The joy of going tree hunting and picking the right one
• The look, texture and of course the smell!

 

For us at Vialii Towers, real always wins. And we have a wonderful option for disposal thanks to our local Scouts who collect them each year and then arrange for them to be chipped and the mulch used locally.

If you need tips on what variety of real Christmas tree suits you best then read my blog all about it.

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and many happy times around your Christmas tree, whatever kind you have.

Lulu & Tilda xx