the christmas tree is always greener...

All the recent holiday hoopla got me thinking about the environmental impact of the Christmas tree. It's almost heartbreaking to imagine a forest full of snow covered evergreen tress being chopped down only to be hoisted on top of someone's SUV and decorated until ultimately being thrown in the trash after the 25th (or sometime way after New Years if your like my fam). But really, not only do tree farms lower CO2, the branches can be recycled or even used as mulch. A win for promoting a sustainable environment, and a win for promoting a festive family room rivaling that of Clark Griswald's.

Also, tree farms are usually maintained on previously barren land, so the absorption of CO2 becomes a major asset directly resulting from the Christmas tree industry. That all sounds great, but what about pesticides and chemicals to enhance and prevent the infamous "Charlie Brown Christmas tree look". What about the total lack of variety in species and the promotion of a dangerous monoculture which prevents secondary succession? Genetic modification and the absence of variety are incredibly problematic, as a single infestation of bug or disease could wipe out the entire farm.

The tradition of a fresh tree isn't entirely environmentally sound, yet consider those drawbacks with the alternative of an artificial tree. The artificial trees contain lead and PVC's resulting in hazardous dioxins and carcinogenic compounds being released into the air. Unlike the recyclable fresh version of the tree, the artificials never breakdown, and are destined to spend eternity in a landfill if disposed.

Not to make an ethical issue out of the happy happy holiday, but the tree industry producing 31.3 million trees, with an average price being $41.50....meaning Christmas trees are a $1.3 Billion industry.

So what is the eco-friendly celebrator of Christmas to do? Some farms are producing organic christmas trees with consideration of runoff and pesticides in their farming practices. Some synthetic trees are being made without PVC's/lead and more environmentally sound production techniques.

Trivia: Which President banned a Christmas tree from the White House for environmental reasons?
(answer next blog post)