The Christmas Tree

Photo by: kdsglass

The National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) reports there are currently half a billion real Christmas Trees growing on farms and 25-30 million of these will be sold this year.  For the person seeking sustainability this holiday season, a real Christmas Tree is a step in the right direction.  Artificial trees are made from non-biodegradable plastics and contain possible metal toxins such as lead.  Most artificial trees are made in China and rack up enormous transportation miles on their way to the shores of the United States.  Although an artificial tree can be used over several years, when retired it gets shipped to a landfill where it is sits idly for hundreds of years.

Real Christmas Trees are a renewable resource and come from a sustainable business model.  For every real tree harvested the NCTA states that another 3 seedlings are planted in its place the following spring.  All 50 states contain Christmas Tree Farms thereby contributing to the growth of the local economy and a reduction in transportation miles.  To find a local farm check out gardens.com, The Christmas Tree Farm Network, or the NCTA.   After the holidays, be sure your real tree gets properly disposed.  Check with your local curbside service or Earth911 for tree recycling.