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For many, putting up a Christmas tree signals the beginning of the most wonderful time of the year. To extend the magical feeling that comes with the season, people often choose to put up their Christmas decorations as early as November. But today, concerns around the climate crisis have had many Yuletide shoppers questioning their Christmas trees. Which is the eco-friendlier choice, buying a real tree or an artificial one? Let’s break it down.

The Real

Pros: Rather than being cut down in the wilderness, Christmas trees are usually grown on farms, with tree farmers planting new ones each year. Throughout the year, these trees help the planet breathe by absorbing greenhouse gasses and turning it into clean oxygen. When the holiday season comes to an end, Christmas trees can be composted and reused for mulch, not filling landfills with plastics that make up an artificial tree.

Cons: Despite the pros, real Christmas trees still have to be shipped and transported, resulting in the release of carbon emissions on the environment. Other factors that contribute to the negative impact include fertilizers and pesticides used, site maintenance that involves equipment powered by fuel, and of course, water used for irrigation.

The Fake

Pros: According to the American Christmas Tree Association, artificial trees are used for an average of 10 years. So while they may be more expensive up-front, with proper care and maintenance artificial trees can last up to 20 years, save you money year after year, and help offset the overall environmental impact.

Cons: The National Christmas Tree Association estimates that 85% of artificial trees are imported from China, primarily made from metal and polyvinyl chloride, and travel an average of 8,400 miles to U.S. retailers. Producing these materials causes greenhouse gases and other pollution to be released into our atmosphere. And because they are non-recyclable and non-biodegradable, they will sit in a landfill for years after disposal.

The Greenest

Every year, 25-30 million real Christmas trees are sold in the U.S. while approximately 10 million artificial trees are sold. So, what’s the verdict? While both real and artificial trees have positive and negative impacts on the environment, experts agree that real Christmas trees are better.

However, if you’re opting for an artificial tree, lessen your environmental impact by shopping domestically and keeping your tree for as long as possible. But if you choose a real tree, shopping locally can help make your choice greener.

Bonus: Did you know that our solar farm, Belchertown Renewables in Belchertown, MA, sits on an active Christmas tree farm?

If you’d like to find more ways to make a positive impact on your community and our planet this season, follow our holiday energy-saving tips.

So, real or fake – which one will you choose this year?