It's that time of year again when environmentalist around the country debate which is more Eco- friendly; Real or Fake Christmas Trees. Meanwhile, most of the rest of society dig in their storage for the fake fir of years gone by, or make the annual trek to the local nursery and pick from this years crop. There are statistical and emotional arguments on both sides of the debate which makes it very difficult for me to choose a side. Artificial trees have been gaining ground in American living rooms — 50 million fake trees vs. 30 million fresh ones, according to the two competing industry groups, the long-standing National Christmas Tree Association (which supports real trees) and the more recently formed American Christmas Tree Association (defends artificial trees).
Each side has important pros and cons that need to be considered. Creating local jobs in the nursery industry and having many qualities that offset climate change give supporters of real trees a strong argument, but health and safety concerns, plus pesticide contamination offsets real trees sustainable assets.
Fake trees encourage people to re-use products and recent technology has improved the looks and reliability of artificial trees, however, the materials associated with and the manufacturing of artificial trees are known environmental contaminants which sometime promote human and environmental exploitation. Personally and professionally I can identify with both sides of issue so I have decided to take a stand and tell everyone: DON'T BUY REAL OR FAKE! DON'T BUY A TREE AT ALL!!
Lets keep it real; Christmas trees are so 20th century. If most people knew how UN-Christ-like the history Christmas trees are and how Paegen it really is, Rush Limbaugh would say anyone displaying a tree was UN-American. A decorative tree can be recreated using the abundance of objects we already have at our disposal. People can't water and nurture the plants they already have in their homes, so it seems silly to cut down or manufacture a tree to use for 2-3 weeks a year. Create a Faux Christmas tree that reflects your own location and perspective. Instead of going out and buying a tree with the kids, help them gather items for a environmental lesson in self expression. Show off your inner sustainable Martha Stewart and create a tree or any holiday setting using items that reflect your commitment to combating climate change. Here are some pics of some cool tree alternatives
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