ENVIRONMENT
Each holiday season, the debate between natural and artificial Christmas trees is renewed. From news articles to web sites
and television news, everyone voices their opinion about whether it is better for the environment to use an artificial Christmas
tree or a natural Christmas tree. This can often be confusing to consumers who want to make an eco-friendly choice, but
can't find a simple, straightforward comparison of the environmental impacts of the two christmas tree options. The
below chart compares the ecological impacts of natural and artificial Christmas trees from the beginning of production to
the end of their life cycle, covering everything from the carbon footprint of a natural Christmas tree to the chemical components
of artificial Christmas trees. We hope you find it useful!
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United States, Mexico & China |
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Trees are planted
Growing 7' tree takes 8 years
Heavy watering during early years
16-32 pesticide applications (2-4 annual sprays for 8 years)
16-32 herbicide applications (Sprayed on ground 2-4x/year for 8 years)
Green spray paint is applied in some cases
Most trees are cut down
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Raw materials are produced in factories
Trees are assembled in factories
Lights are often pre-strung on trees in factories
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Plant tissue, water
Pesticide residues
99% biodegradable
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Plastic, steel & copper (all contain recycled content)
Materials are recyclable
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Yes, if unlit (lights sets are made from PVC) |
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No |
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Yes, if unlit
No, if Christmas lights are added (lead is used to make light cords flexible) |
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Yes, if unlit
No, if Christmas lights are added (lead is used to make light cords flexible) |
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No
Diesel fuel used to transport trees
If composted, tree returns nutrients to soil
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No
Diesel fuel used to transport trees
Trees made of plastic
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Yes
Pesticides and herbicides (applied 2-4 times per year and absorbed through trees' root systems, remaining in trees)
Green spray paint applied to some trees
Plastic netting used to transport trees from farms to tree lots and from lots to homes
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Yes
Needles made from PVC plastic, a common plastic used in everything from Christmas lights to water plumbing pipes
Plastics are made from oil, a chemical
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| Lifespan & Disposal |
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Used for 1 month
Many cities support collection of discarded trees with tax dollars
Trees are burned or added to landfills to decompose
Christmas lights are reused until discarded in landfills
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Used for 10-15 seasons
Discarded in landfills
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| Efficient use of resources |
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Yes, if grown organically, cut down locally, and composted
No, if from tree lot (unsold trees are discarded on 12/25)
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Yes, if reused for 4 years or more
No, if used for 1 season
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| Lifespan |
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4 weeks |
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10-20 years |
Discarded Christmas Trees Harm the Environment Every Year.
Don’t contribute to the waste this Christmas season!
Images courtesy of
The Big Map
