ENVIRONMENT
Benefits of Organic Christmas Trees
Thousands of Christmas tree growers and consumers now prefer organic Christmas trees to conventionally grown Christmas trees. The frequent application of hazardous chemicals has been proven to interrupt the natural habitats of bird and insects, and chemical run-off from the hilly fields can end up in the ground water posing, a huge threat to mankind. Some chemicals may eventually come into most homes by transpiration after buying fresh Christmas trees. Those trees displayed in homes and offices can cause cancer to people who live and work, and thus breathe in and absorb, these dangerous chemicals.
Those who have had an allergic reaction to live Christmas trees have reacted to the tree’s oils, or to the hazardous chemicals that reach their bodies via transpiration. Transpiration is when the trees breathe; they drink water from the tree stand, and the water goes to all the cells in the tree, and then evaporates into the air. In effect, every time the tree “breathes”, it is releasing toxic fumes. Tree farm workers are also exposed to these harmful chemicals on a regular basis. The conventional growing cycle for valuable fir Christmas trees is severely damaged by different types of pests; farmers apply chemicals several times a year. In addition, the trees get one or two annual applications of chemical fertilizer and one or two more of chemical herbicides.
Advantages of Organic Christmas Trees
Trees grown in organic Christmas tree farms are preferred over the regular cut Christmas trees because their growth cycle involves no pesticides, only a minimal application of organic fertilizer and herbicide each year. If your heart is set on having the best Christmas tree, buying an organic cut tree is the most environmentally friendly option of all. By doing so you'll reap benefits: You'll protect your family from pesticide residues, protect Christmas tree workers from pesticide poisoning on the job, and you'll support local growers who respect their workers and the environment.