We all want to do what we can to help the environment; and typically that means following the rules of reduce, reuse, and recycle.
What people don't think about is the carbon emissions it takes to create reusable items, and if they actually even are recyclable once you can no longer use them.
In theory, reusing a fake Christmas tree sounds like a good, eco-friendly thing… right?
That news is just about as fake as the tree you're considering buying.
Fake Christmas trees are insanely harmful not just to our environment, but also our economy.
1. It takes 20 years for it to be as friendly as harvesting over 20,000 trees
An independent study in Canada showed that creating one fake Christmas tree is equivalent to the same emissions as harvesting over 20,000 real trees, and it takes 20 years for it to start being “eco-friendly”.
2. Fake Christmas trees are non-recyclable
As an Oregonian, this is a HUGE turn-off alone. REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE!
However, if you’re looking for other uses of your fake Christmas tree, this website has some awesome ideas!
3. For every one tree harvested, a tree farmer plants more
My family has a Christmas tree farm in Western Oregon, and for every one tree we harvest, one to three more trees are planted to replace them. That means one acre of our trees can reduce as little as 12,000 lbs of CO2 in a year.
4. Majority of fake trees are made in China
95% of fake trees are made in China. Meanwhile, with live Christmas trees, you are supporting either local farmers in your state or purchasing permits to harvest yourself. That money goes to helping to manage public lands.