Real or Fake?

As the holiday season rolls around, the question of whether to get a real or fake Christmas tree presents itself in households. The quick answer is that getting a real tree helps fight climate change.

Around 10 million artificial trees are bought every year, with 90% being shipped from China, causing an increase of carbon emissions and resources. Because of the material the fake trees are made from, most can’t be recycled and end up in landfills.

On the other hand, real trees require much fewer carbon emissions. Buying a real tree for Christmas encourages tree farms to stay open, keeping more than ten times as many trees standing. Furthermore, after trees are used for Christmas, they can be recycled and given a second life in conservation and habitat projects.

According to the National Christmas Tree Association, 1-3 seedlings are planted for every tree purchased, helping to reduce climate change. To do your part this holiday season, consider getting a real tree instead of a fake one!