As the festive season approaches, many households face the choice between real and artificial Christmas trees. While artificial trees might seem eco-friendly due to their reusability, real trees offer significant environmental benefits that are often overlooked.
In the UK, around eight million real Christmas trees are bought annually, highlighting the importance of understanding their environmental impact:
Real Christmas Trees
Real Christmas trees have several environmental impacts. They act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 during their growth, with a hectare of 30-year-old forestry sequestering about 20 tonnes of CO2 annually. Over a 10-year lifespan, a Christmas tree can accumulate around 18 kg of CO2, with larger, older trees storing more CO2.
The environmental impact extends beyond carbon sequestration. Real Christmas trees have an average carbon footprint of 3.5 kg CO2 if disposed of via wood chipper or bonfire, but this increases to 16 kg CO2 if sent to landfill. They decompose naturally, returning nutrients to the soil, and can be repurposed for underwater habitats. Christmas tree farms also support local biodiversity by providing habitats for wildlife and absorb about one tonne of CO2 per acre annually.
However, there are costs to consider. Christmas tree farms require water, with a six to seven foot tree needing about one gallon of water daily. The land used for cultivation could be used for food crops, with UK growers producing around four million trees yearly on approximately 2,000 hectares.
Pesticides and herbicides used on conventional tree farms can also harm ecosystems, though some growers are adopting more sustainable practices. Proper disposal is crucial, as recycled trees can become mulch or wildlife habitats, while landfilled trees produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
The disposal method significantly affects a tree's carbon footprint. Landfill disposal is the worst option, as it releases methane, a greenhouse gas 80 times more potent than CO2, over a 20-year timescale. Ideally, trees should be replanted, chipped for mulch, or composted to release carbon slowly back into the atmosphere.
Artificial Trees
Artificial trees need to be used for at least 12 years to match the environmental impact of real trees. They are mostly made from non-recyclable PVC, which contributes to plastic pollution when discarded.
Artificial trees also pose significant disposal challenges. They are non-recyclable and non-biodegradable, meaning they will eventually end up in landfills, making them a linear economy product with no sustainable end-of-life solution.
Real vs Fake: Comparing Environmental Impacts
| Environmental Impact | Real | Fake |
| Carbon footprint | 3.5 kg CO2 if disposed of via wood chipper or bonfire, but this increases to 16 kg if they end up in landfills | Two-metre artificial tree has a carbon footprint of about 40 kg, which is over ten times higher |
| Production | Grow for 10-12 years, during which they provide habitats for wildlife and capture carbon. For each tree cut, farmers plant 1-3 seedlings, ensuring sustainability | Usually made from PVC and metal and often produced overseas, have a higher initial environmental cost |
| Transportation | Often locally sourced, which can reduce transportation emissions. However, some producers use helicopters for aerial transport from remote farms, adding to their carbon footprint | Typically travel long distances from manufacturing countries, further increasing their environmental impact |
| Longevity, disposal and reuse | Although single-use, can be recycled or composted, which reduces their environmental impact | Must be used for at least 12 years to offset its carbon footprint, but they are typically used only four times before being discarded |
Can Christmas Trees Be Sustainable?
The shift in consumer preference towards a more sustainable Christmas tree option is gaining momentum. Interestingly, artificial trees have gained traction, with nearly half of all trees sold being fake. However, this trend doesn't necessarily reflect true environmental benefits. While many consumers choose artificial trees, thinking they are eco-friendly, the reality is more complex.
Some buyers think this reusability makes artificial trees better for the environment. But in fact, real trees are typically the greener choice. In addition to this, there's also a rising demand for smaller trees catering to urban living spaces.
For those opting for real trees, certification schemes offer assurance of sustainable practises. The Forest Stewardship Council certification ensures trees are grown responsibly, often minimising pesticide use. Other eco-labels to look out for include EU-Bio-Siegel and Naturland. These certifications help consumers make informed, environmentally friendly choices.
In addition, after holidays, trees can be recycled into mulch or biomass fuel. Over 4,000 Christmas tree recycling programs exist worldwide. We recommend looking for a recycling centre near you to minimise impact and save cost. This gives trees a second life as compost or renewable energy.
What are the Alternatives?
We've discovered several eco-friendly alternatives to traditional Christmas trees that can help reduce environmental impact. Renting a live tree has become increasingly popular, allowing families to enjoy a real tree without worrying about disposal. Some companies even let you choose the same tree each year, creating a unique family tradition.
Here are some creative alternatives to traditional Christmas trees:
These alternatives offer sustainable and creative ways to celebrate the holiday season while minimising environmental impact.
