You may have wondered what is better for the environment: cutting down a tree from nature or buying a synthetic, re-usable tree made of plastic. It’s not an easy decision, but it seems that one is better than the other.
We’ve all heard of how trees can help mitigateClimate change is made possible by carbon dioxide being captured and stored in the branches, roots and needles of trees. Christmas trees are no exception, so it might seem a bad idea to cut them down.
There is evidence that Christmas tree farming may have some environmental benefits. Christmas trees can take over 10 years for them to reach a height 1.8m (6 feet). Trees will become an animal playground over the years and absorb carbon from the atmosphere. According to the, for every Christmas tree that is cut, one to three seedlings will be planted in the spring following. US National Christmas Tree Association.
The result is more trees to fight climate change, and more vital benefits for nature and people like clean air, water, wildlife habitat, and healthy land.Nature Conservancy.
Science has shown that the best way to preserve forests is to use them with care. When forests are managed sustainably they can produce renewable resources such as Christmas trees and other wood-made goods.
However, there are concerns about how Christmas trees are grown, especially with regard to the safety of the children.Pesticides are heavily used and the potentialdisplacement ofnatural ecosystems to make way for plantations.
If you decide to purchase a real tree, it’s best to pick it up at a local source in order to minimize carbon emissions from shipping. It will have a greater environmental impact if it is sent to a landfill. The decomposing tree will release methane, which is a powerful greenhouse gas. Although carbon dioxide and other pollutants will be released into the atmosphere by incinerating the tree, the tree can only return to it the carbon that it has removed. The best way to dispose of the tree is to cut it down and make wood chips or mulch.
But what about artificial trees? Artificial trees are argued to be used year after year by ardent believers. Artificial trees are made of plastic, which is true.
Fake trees are often made out of polyvinylchloride (PVC). This plastic is strong, but it can also be very harmful to the environment. PVC is highly corrosive due to its high chlorine content. Produce toxic pollutionDioxins are a form of PVC, which can accumulate in the food chain. PVC is very difficult to recycle, and ends up in landfills where it will remain for many decades.
Furthermore, a fake tree has a higher carbon footprint that a real one. A fake tree will Make the equivalentAround 40 kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions. This is more that double the amount of a regular tree if it ends-up in a landfill. It’s also more than 10x more than a tree that is incinerated. It is possible that your fake Christmas tree has traveled quite a distance before it reaches your home. Around 80 percent of artificial Christmas trees are made in China. The transportation of artificial trees around the globe can result in a lot of carbon emissions.
These are the facts. Real trees have a narrow edge over their fake counterparts. You should make sure they don’t get hitchhikers if you bring them indoors.
