Many people choose to decorate their homes with Christmas trees during the festive season. There are numerous different types of tree to choose from, but for the environmentally conscious consumer the main choice is whether to opt for a traditional real Christmas tree or an artificial plastic alternative.
What is the environmental impact of fake Christmas trees?
According to an article published by Kansas State University, artificial Christmas trees may not provide an environmentally friendly alternative. Most artificial Christmas trees are manufactured in China, in fact Christmas trees rank among the top 30 imports to the US. Artificial Christmas trees are mostly made from PVC which in turn is manufactured from non-renewable sources such as crude oil. Some may argue that since the trees can be re-used year after year they generate less waste, but most artificial Christmas trees are not biodegradable.
It is worth noting that much of the published literature on this matter is commissioned by the Christmas tree growing industry. However, an independent life cycle assessment published in 2009 found that an artificial Christmas tree with a life span of six years has approximately three times more impact on climate change and resource depletion than using natural trees. Clearly, the impact of the artificial tree is dependent on how many years it can be re-used, and the threshold above which the artificial tree becomes a better option is 20 years.
There have been some studies which suggest a link between PVC Christmas trees and exposure to lead toxins. Experiments by Maas et al (2004) concluded that whilst there was a chance fake Christmas trees could be a source of toxins, the average artificial tree did not pose a significant exposure risk.
Christmas tree farming: a sustainable industry?
According to the British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA), real Christmas trees are good for the environment as they provide a habitat for wildlife including several species of bird, and locally grown trees do not require long-haul transportation. The trees are fully biodegradable and can be composted or recycled in lakes and ponds to create better habitats for fish. Tree growers also point out that carbon dioxide is taken in by the trees while they are growing; however, this carbon dioxide will be returned to the atmosphere when the tree is recycled or burned.
Members of the British Christmas Tree Growers Association comply with a code of conduct to ensure their farming methods are sustainable. This code of conduct is available from the BCTGA website. Growers should ensure seeds are from certified sustainable sources, and sites for growing Christmas tress should be subject to an environmental and ecological survey. The BCTGA encourages research into alternative methods of pest control, and members are asked to minimise use of chemical pesticides and herbicides as much as possible.
Christmas trees provide a habitat for a range of birds, and cultivation methods take into account the needs of wildlife. Harvesting takes place in the winter, so there is no risk of disturbing nesting birds. Control of pests such as rabbits and deer is achieved either by fencing (in consultation with neighbours) or by humane culling.
Application of pesticides
Christmas tree production is an example of an intensive farming industry. A study by JR Sidebottom looked at the impact of Christmas tree farming on the local environment in North Carolina. Repeated growth of a high density of trees in the same area leads to a reduction in soil quality, and encourages the growth of pests. In many parts of the world, Christmas tree production takes place on steep-sided hills where soil can be eroded. For these reasons, pesticides and artificial fertilisers are often applied to the land, and over-use could lead to the pollution of surrounding streams.
JR Sidebottom’s study assessed the impact of Christmas tree farming by monitoring invertebrate populations in nearby streams. The study concluded that there was no serious effect of Christmas tree farms on surface water quality, although the survey did suggest slight changes in the relative numbers of different invertebrate species.
Buy a living Christmas tree
One way to reduce waste is to buy a living Christmas tree. These trees are sold in a pot with their roots intact, and they can be successfully grown at home to provide trees for several Christmas celebrations in a row. The drawbacks of buying a living tree are that the pot is heavy and cumbersome, so it is not practical to buy a very large tree. Choose a container-grown tree which has been grown in its pot for at least one year for the best chances of success. It is best to re-pot into a larger container after Christmas to allow the tree to grow ready for the next year (BCTGA website). Once the tree becomes too large, it can be replanted in the soil outside.
Recycle your tree after Christmas
In order to minimise the environmental impact of Christmas trees, it is important to dispose of them responsibly once the festive season is over. Most local councils operate special seasonal waste disposal points for Christmas trees throughout January. They will recycle trees usually by composting.
Sources
K Lawrence “Artificial Christmas Trees Not Eco-Friendly” Kansas State University (2008)
S Couillard, G Bage, JS Trudel “Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Artificial vs Natural Christmas Tree” Ellipsos (2009)
RP Maas, SC Patch, TJ Pandolfo “Artificial Christmas Trees: How Real are the Lead Exposure Risks” Journal of Environmental Health 67: 20-24 (2004)
British Christmas Tree Growers Association website
“A Code of Practice for Christmas Tree Growers” Available from the British Christmas Tree Growers Association
JR Sidebottom “Evaluation of the Christmas Tree Industry in Western North Carolina on Surface Water Quality” NC State University (1999)
Veronica Mitchell - Veronica studied veterinary medicine at Cambridge University before becoming a secondary school science teacher. She enjoys writing about ...
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