Oh, Christmas Tree: To go Real or Fake?
 What would Christmas be without a spat around the tree?
Baubles get broken, angels go flying – “white lights!” yells one, while the other screams “flashing neon!”
But the big holiday conundrum begins way before the tree is even up: Mom loves the scent of a real fir and Dad prefers the practicality of a plastic pine.
So which is better for the planet – cutting down a tree for the season or reusing the annual plastic?
Although they can be reused year after year, artificial trees sit high on the eco hit list. Made of non-recyclable petroleum by-products, fake firs will spend centuries in a landfill – even if they do ‘last a lifetime’ in your home.
Experts say the best option is to buy a living tree in a pot that can be planted in the garden for the following year. If you don’t have a green space, the alternative is to buy a cut tree. Lobbing down healthy trees might not sound very friendly but real trees are a recyclable, renewable resource unlike artificial ones that contain non-biodegradable plastics. Plus, nearly all trees harvested in Canada are from tree farms, where up to three seedlings are planted for each tree that is cut down.
When it comes to getting rid of the tree, be sure to dispose of it sensibly. Most councils offer a collection service (remember to remove all lights, wire, ornaments, nails, stands etc…) and shred the trees to make compost and mulch. Check out Earth911 (www.earth911.org) for treecycling facts and info.
And then there’s the tree-free option. Instead of splashing out on a six-foot spruce, you could always put the money towards preserving the world’s forests. Rainforest Concern (www.rainforestconcern.org) works in countries including Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica and Sri Lanka to protect rainforest ecosystems and the indigenous people that rely on them.
We say, donate to your organization of choice, (Santa will hear about it) and enjoy your tree too.
After all, what would Christmas be without a spat around the tree?
- Athena Tsavliris
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