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Will you have a blue Christmas without a green tree?

11.22.2005

Submitted by idealbite on Tue, 11/22/2005 - 6:00pm.
The Bite:
For many people it just doesn’t seem like Christmas without a tree, but the choice between real and artificial isn’t clear cut. Real Christmas trees often come hand-in-hand with pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Artificial trees are made with the dreaded PVC. No matter which you choose, there are a few ways to make your white Christmas a little greener.
The Benefits: 
  • The EPA recommends purchasing a faux Christmas tree but only if you plan to use it year after year.
  • 37 million Americans will celebrate using a live, renewable Christmas tree that grows after the holidays.  Purchase a potted Christmas tree and replant.
  • Every acre of Christmas trees produces enough daily oxygen for 18 people, and due to their hardiness, Christmas trees are often planted where few other plants grow, thereby increasing soil stability.
  • For each Christmas tree cut on tree farms, 2 or 3 new seedlings are planted. Choose organic to reduce pesticide use.
Personally Speaking: 
Since Jen has a yard, she is getting an organic live tree to be replanted.  Heather is on the hunt for an organic cut tree to be chipped as mulch for her local Brooklyn park after the holidays, since replanting a tree on a regular rooftop really isn’t advisable.
Wanna Try: 

Our recommendations in order of eco-friendliness:

  • Living Christmas Trees - purchase a live tree from your local nursery or garden center and learn more about how to properly replant your Christmas tree after the holiday season.
  • Seasonal Concepts - faux Christmas trees - take your time and choose a tree you'll be sure to use for years to come. A quality fake tree can cost as much as $400 so it may take a couple of years to realize the dollar savings.
  • Organic cut trees, with appropriate recycling - check your local tree providers to see if they have organic farm suppliers. Make sure you recycle your cut tree  appropriately.

Cocktail Fact

Teddy Roosevelt banned the Christmas tree from the White House for environmental reasons.

Bang For The Bite

An organic live tree that is replanted is a no-brainer, 5-apple tip.

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Gina  on November 03, 2009 at 01:20 PM 1
Have yall done any research into Christmas trees made out of recycled plastic? or aluminum? Since it's becoming easier and easier to find products made from recycled materials, I'm hoping that someone has a tree made from some recycled materials. I haven't had any luck with Google and thought maybe yall could use your sources. Thanks!

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