It’s the centrepiece of the biggest holiday of the year for many families: the Christmas tree, the focal point for parties and presents, complete with favourite ornaments and lights. Some cherish the scent of a real tree and the tradition of bringing it home, while others prefer the tidier and easier option of the plastic variety. But which is better for the environment?. First, don’t feel bad about cutting down a tree for the holiday. Christmas trees are crops grown on farms, like lettuce or corn. They are not cut down from wild forests on a large scale. A 5- or 6-foot tree takes just under 10 years to grow, and once it is cut down, the farmer will plant a new one in its place. The real trees provide many benefits to the environment as they grow, cleaning the air and providing watersheds and habitats for wildlife and are biodegradable. Artificial trees when their time is up, and are replaced, are sent to landfills. Many quality manufactures are making trees that you can use 20 or 30 years later which is perfect for many people. Artificial is also convenient, out of the box then back in the box with very little mess like needles and watering the tree.
Take note: Shoppers are being told to buy their real trees early this year to avoid the mad dash that may be coming the first week of December. Last year because of COVID there was an increase in demand because most people where at home for the holidays, that has caused a shortage in supply for 2021. Weather events have further limited the amount of fresh, live Christmas trees available.
It’s a personal choice, which do you prefer? Real or Artificial ….Ed
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