Are there environmentally friendly fake Christmas trees?
While it’s nearly impossible to find artificial Christmas trees that are not made from PVC or some kind of polyethylene plastics, there are some made from recycled PVC, which is a much better option if you’re buying your first artificial tree or replacing one that’s busted.
What is the most eco-friendly Christmas tree option?
One great option for an eco-friendly Christmas tree if you have a garden is to buy a potted Christmas tree. You can buy potted trees easily from most garden centres. For a lower carbon footprint, look for UK-grown varieties, like Blue Spruce or Nordman. Once Christmas is done simply pop it in your garden in its pot.
What is better for the environment fake tree or real?
In terms of disposing of the trees, fake trees in a landfill will take centuries to break down while real trees will break down much quicker or can be used as compost or firewood. However, artificial trees last more than one season so using one every year will cut down on emissions needed to transport a tree.
How do you buy a sustainable Christmas tree?
Buy a Real Cut Sustainably Grown Tree: Ideally, find a farm where you can cut your own as there is no fresher option and trees can be cut according to demand (rather than over-harvested). With care, cut trees should last about four weeks – keep outside in water for as long as possible to keep your tree looking fresh.
How long does it take for a fake Christmas tree to decompose?
Artificial tree, after production When the artificial tree’s life is over, it is taken to a landfill where it takes 500+ years to decompose.
Are Christmas trees sprayed with chemicals UK?
However, all our trees are sprayed for pests and chemically fertilised while growing, but there’s no pest spraying within 3 months of harvest.
Are Fake trees better for the environment?
Why Real Christmas trees are better for the environment?
Real Christmas Trees Benefit the Environment While they’re growing, Real Christmas Trees support life by absorbing carbon dioxide and other gases and emitting fresh oxygen. The farms that grow Christmas Trees stabilize soil, protect water supplies and provide refuge for wildlife while creating scenic green belts.
Are PVC Christmas trees safe?
An artificial tree made of PVC is not a non-toxic Christmas tree. Polyethylene and polypropylene are safer materials than PVC. Closer to non-toxic Christmas tree options. You can reduce exposure to real tree and artificial tree toxic chemicals.
What are the drawbacks of using an artificial holiday tree?
Cons: It could have negative environmental effects. If you buy an artificial tree, the American Christmas Tree Association recommends keeping the tree for nine years to offset the environmental impact. It looks the same every year….
- They’re more expensive.
- They require upkeep.
- They’re a fire hazard.
What are the cons of an artificial tree?
Cons of Artificial Christmas Trees
- They may be vulnerable to fires caused by unattended candles and electrical malfunctions.
- PVC and chemicals are the primary materials that make up these trees.
- They are not recyclable or biodegradable, and their production adds to the carbon footprint.
Is buying Christmas trees bad for the environment?
Real Christmas trees can be bad for the environment in a few ways. Many are grown with the aid of controversial pesticides that can harm the environment and humans. Some farms also ship their trees all across the United States, producing a ton of carbon emissions.
What is the difference between PE and PVC Christmas trees?
Unlike PVC Christmas trees which are made using cut-out PVC material, PE trees are injection moulded and completely 3 dimensional using branches from real trees, resulting in an instant realistic-looking Christmas tree. Therefore, the 3D needles are much more life-like than the average flat PVC needles.
How often should you replace artificial Christmas tree?
Most Americans plan to keep their artificial trees for ten years; however, the average usable lifespan is six years. It’s a good idea to research the company and product quality before making your purchase. Artificial trees can last for years and even come with 1-10-year warranties.
Why are artificial trees bad for the environment?
Artificial trees create more greenhouse gas emissions during production since they are made of plastic. Because real trees take in CO2 so when they grow, they have a negative carbon footprint. This story was originally published on December 16, 2019.
How long should you keep an artificial Christmas tree?
Another benefit of artificial Christmas trees is that you can use them for years. Warner said most artificial trees last an average of 10 years, while some can be used for 20 years or more. Because of this, it’s important to think about what kind of Christmas tree you want in the long run while you’re shopping.
Why are artificial trees bad?
How can we be eco-friendly at Christmas?
18 ways to have a green, eco-friendly Christmas
- 1 Rent a Christmas tree.
- 2 Or go for a more eco-friendly alternative.
- 3 Wrap gifts with recycled paper or fabric.
- 4 Send forest-friendly or plantable Christmas cards.
- 5 Buy eco-friendly crackers.
- 6 Reuse everything!
- 7 Think about your wreath.
- 8 Get a smart metre.
Is PE safer than PVC?
Now, PE itself is considered a safer plastic than PVC, since it’s not stabilized with lead and other heavy metals and isn’t quite as polluting to manufacture. Of course, it’s still virgin-petroleum-based, but it’s a step in the right direction.