Experts explained when an artificial Christmas tree is more harmful than a live one
Why a live Christmas tree isn't always better.
In the run-up to the winter holidays, many people think not only about the decor, but also about its impact on the environment. What is more environmentally friendly - a live or artificial Christmas tree? There is no unambiguous answer to this question, say experts at the University of Pennsylvania.
According to Lorena Grandi, a professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, sustainability is not a choice between "good" and "bad," but an evaluation of the full life cycle of a product.
"In some situations, a live Christmas tree will be a more sustainable option, while in other situations, an artificial Christmas tree will be a more sustainable option. There is no universally correct solution," Grandi notes.
How many years an artificial Christmas tree will last
Artificial Christmas trees are made of plastic and metal and are most often imported from China, which greatly increases their carbon footprint. Using such a Christmas tree for only one season is the least environmentally friendly option.
According to various studies, for an artificial Christmas tree to be more environmentally friendly than a live one, it needs to be used for at least 7-10 years. The longer the period of use, the less climate damage per year, the expert emphasises.
How live Christmas trees are utilised
The environmental friendliness of a live Christmas tree depends largely on the method of disposal. If the tree is simply thrown into a landfill, it will emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas, as it decomposes.
More sustainable options include:
taking the Christmas tree to municipal recycling centres;
composting through specialised services;
use in agricultural or animal welfare projects;
buying a potted Christmas tree and then planting it in the ground, allowing the tree to continue absorbing carbon dioxide.
The journey from farm to home is also important
Another factor is transportation. The closer a Christmas tree was grown to the point of sale, the lower its ecological footprint. A mass delivery of trees by lorry can be more environmentally friendly than an individual travelling a long distance for a single tree.
Bottom line: there is no one-size-fits-all solution
According to the researchers, the choice between a live and artificial Christmas tree should take into account several factors at once: the period of use, the origin of the tree, the method of disposal and transport costs.
"Sustainable behaviour is not a strict set of rules, but an informed approach to each specific choice," Grandi sums up.