Why fake Christmas trees are anything but green

What is better for the environment? Breaking down a living tree or building a plastic and metal?

A decorated pine is the focal point of most Christmas parties. The foil, the lights, that smell of fresh pine.

It's an old tradition whose origins are hard to pin down, but Christmas trees have been around for over a thousand years.

Recently, the modern plastic tree has been considered an easier choice for many and the advanced argument is that it is better for the environment to reuse a plastic tree rather than d & # 39; Bring down a real tree, year after year.

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But experts believe that artificial trees are the least environmentally friendly option and should be avoided.

Almost all real Christmas trees sold in New Zealand are ordinary pines, or Pinus radiata that were grown specifically for the harvest in the holiday season.

An artificial tree is normally made of PVC plastic, steel and aluminum. Their ultimate home was a landfill because the different components of each tree were merged and could not be recycled.

Plastic Free New Zealand spokesman George Arthur-Amohau said the process of creating artificial trees, and then shipping them around the world, required significant energy and resources.

"We end up with a non-recyclable product with a limited shelf life," he said.

Arthur-Amohau pointed out that if people already had plastic trees, they had to keep them and use them as long as possible.

"Extending the life of the plastic items we have is an important part of protecting them from landfills and harming our environment," he said.

Studies have estimated that an artificial tree should be used for 10 to 20 years before it is as durable as a natural tree.

Arthur-Amohau said that a better tree, grown sustainably and locally, was a better solution, but that it was not necessary to fell a tree to enjoy it.

"I would say it will never be so green because no matter how many times you use your artificial tree again, you will still have to dispose of it at some point, and you will have several years to throw away all the plastic that you have. tree just puts to use.

"In recent years, I've been delighted to find that more and more nurseries and garden centers are selling live Christmas trees." Because trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, they buy a real tree, the many years before planting, it's a great thing to do, "he said.

Arthur-Amohau said that it was good to see people experimenting with sustainable options rather than an artificial or traditional tree. "I've seen people come up with all sorts of creative alternatives, and they usually have fun with very individual ways of decorating their homes."

Alternatives include decorating living plants, bare branches cut from large trees, trees made of metal or wire or cut from wood, he said.

"My favorite alternative was a huge, tree-shaped carved wood panel decorated with family photos, hand-made decorations and small items of sentimental value – it's wonderful to see people exploring." different ways to decorate for Christmas, and it will be all the more meaningful if they consider the environment while they do it ".