Think ahead: Christmas (tree) 2010

Now that Christmas is over, did you have a real tree or an artificial one? And which is more environmentally friendly? What should you do in 2010? Read on.

Two Christmas tree associations try to push consumers in either direction, real or fake. The American Christmas Tree Association, which says buying a pre-lit artificial Christmas tree is less expensive over 10 years than buying real trees, suggests there is less of an environmental impact because dead trees don’t end up in landfills.

The National Christmas Tree Association, which represents real tree farmers, emphasizes the environmental sustainability of natural firs, and that for every tree cut down, three new ones are planted. Yet, an ACTA-sponsored study suggests that the carbon footprint of artificial trees is actually lower.

The 10-year "cradle to grave" ACTA analysis looked at every aspect of a natural tree’s life cycle, from seedling through commercial farming, cultivation and harvesting, transport to retail, transport to consumer homes, and finally transport and disposal. The study also examined the manufacturing of an artificial tree including resource harvesting, raw material transport, each stage of the manufacturing process, transport to retail, transport to consumer homes, and finally transport and disposal.

The study, conducted by international sustainability firm PE Americas, found the most significant environmental impact was fuel consumption in transporting real Christmas trees from farms and lots to peoples’ homes. It also said driving out to a tree farm to cut down a tree has the worst environmental impact because of the use of fuel.

The NCTA counters: "According to research, most fake trees are only used 6 to 9 years before they're disposed. Even if you would use one for 20 years or more, it will eventually be thrown away and end up in a landfill. And unlike Real Trees, which are biodegradable and recyclable, fake trees are always a burden to the environment."

Of course, real trees absorb carbon dioxide and other gases and emit oxygen. Somehow, the ACTA study missed that positive environmental impact. The NCTA says there are about 450 million natural trees in the United States. When produced or burned, the artificial trees release toxins that can cause health problems.

Another fact that might cause some discomfort: between 85%-90% of artificial trees are made in China, and have a measurable carbon impact to get to America.

Now, how do you recycle the Christmas tree, if you can’t mulch or compost it yourself? It’s best to leave it to a municipal or private trash service, which usually will take it to a recycling center, or take it to a recycling center yourself. However, if I were you, I’d check with that municipal or private service to make sure they are recycling and simply not dumping trees in a landfill.

The most-eco-friendly solution – which you can do next year, if you didn’t do it this Christmas -- is to get a tree with roots and replant outside. Make sure you buy a species that will work with the soil type and climate at your house. Or buy a living potted tree.

Yea, it’s way too soon to decided what you’ll do in 2010, but the consensus among environmentalists is that natural trees are clearly better.