According to scientists, the environmental impact of a Christmas tree is not determined solely by whether it is natural or artificial. Natural Christmas trees are grown for an average of 10 years in specially designated plantations and help preserve the landscape. These areas often also form a small but essential diversity of fauna: some birds and insects find better conditions here than in intensively cultivated agricultural fields.
At the same time, plantations are usually treated with fertilizers and pesticides, which have their negative consequences.
The most critical factor in a Christmas tree's environmental impact is its final fate.
- If a tree ends up in a landfill, it produces large amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, as it decomposes.
- The best solutions are to chop and compost the tree, use it in gardens, or, if it is rooted, replant it.
- Artificial Christmas trees can be more profitable only if the same tree is used for a very long time, at least for dozens of years.
- Otherwise, their production and subsequent non-degradable waste cause even greater harm.
Expert advice:
- Choose natural trees from local producers.
- Give preference to live, grafted trees.
- Never throw a Christmas tree in a landfill.
- Don't be afraid of "non-ideal" trees if they were grown without harmful substances.
