For many, one of the most beloved moments of the holiday season is waking up to presents under their tree. Yet for these families, choosing between a plastic or real Christmas tree can be a challenging decision, especially when considering the environmental consequences. So, which is better?

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Real Christmas trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which helps improve air quality. When sourced sustainably, real trees can be considered carbon-neutral over their life cycle, as the carbon absorbed during growth offsets emissions from production and transportation. More often than not, however, businesses are incentivised to clear-cut and deforest entire swaths of woodland to meet popular demand. Their environmental impact also increases during transportation and disposal. If a tree is sent to a landfill and not properly recycled, which is unfortunately often, it can release greenhouse gases. While real trees have some environmental benefits, farm practices can vary. Sustainable farming methods help minimize resource use, and purchasing locally grown trees further reduces transportation emissions. Proper disposal is key to reducing the environmental footprint of real trees.

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Meanwhile, plastic trees, typically made from PVC have a higher environmental cost upfront due to the energy-intensive manufacturing process. PVC production is fossil fuel-based, resulting in higher emissions compared to growing real trees. Additionally, plastic trees are non-renewable and take hundreds of years to decompose. However, their long lifespan means that their environmental impact can decrease over time. If reused for many years, a plastic tree’s environmental impact can be lower than buying a new real tree each season. The downside of plastic trees is their disposal. They are not biodegradable and are difficult to recycle, contributing significantly to landfill waste. Additionally, many plastic trees are produced overseas, which adds to their carbon footprint due to transportation.

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In conclusion, the environmental impact of both options depends largely on how long the tree is used and how it’s disposed of. Real trees are more sustainable if grown locally, harvested sustainably, and recycled after use. Plastic trees, while more energy-intensive to produce, can become a more sustainable choice if used for many years. Both options have tradeoffs, but with mindful purchasing and disposal, you can reduce the environmental impact of your holiday tree while keeping a cherished tradition alive.

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Sources:

Ellipsos. Life Cycle Assessment of Christmas Trees: Comparison of Artificial and Real Trees. 2009, www.ellipsos.com.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Christmas Tree Disposal and Recycling. 2020, www.epa.gov/recycle/christmas-tree-recycling.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Plastics and the Environment. 2021, www.epa.gov/plastics.

National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA). Environmental Benefits of Real Trees. 2020, www.realchristmastrees.org.

Nicbou, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

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