Take a peek into the homes of 25 people on your block and you'll discover a motley array of Christmas trees that reflect the unique style and personalities of the individuals who decorate them. Much like fingerprints or snowflakes, no two will ever look alike, from the actual tree selection to the decorations and lights. A hallmark of the holiday season, they stand at attention in our living rooms, announcing their presence with their distinctive scent and natural good looks...that is, unless you go for a synthetic version (um, sadly, there's a chemical spray for that.) Of course, as the majority of us push forward into a greener way of life, we wrestle with the question, "Which Christmas tree option is the easiest on the planet?"
Live? Synthetic? Creating your own version using alternative materials? The answer seems easy. Using a potted tree -- roots and all -- and planting it in the ground at the conclusion of your celebration is the most ideal scenario. You can enjoy the pleasure of decorating it, drawing in its distinctive natural fragrance and appreciating its overall beauty while feeling good about the fact that you will ultimately restore it to its natural surroundings. Think of all the carbon that your temporary household addition will be drawing out from the air circulating inside your hallowed halls...mmmm, somehow it all smells a lot sweeter.
However, this relatively new option leaves traditionalists up in arms. Come on...I need to worry about planting something -- isn't my schedule busy enough?? Fortunately, live potted Christmas tree rental companies are popping up all across the nation, but for some, visiting their local garden supply center and selecting among the fresh cut versions is the only way to go. These trees, while existing on borrowed time, are fast growing and replaced with 2 - 3 new seedlings for each one cut down. Since recycling programs are widespread, residents can drop off their spent trees at the end of the holiday season so they can be converted into landscaping mulch, animal bedding and erosion barriers.
Others argue that using the same sythetic tree year after year is a far greener solution, however the greenery on each fake branch is made from petroleum-based, non-renewable polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics. In addition to the harmful, carcinogenic elements released into the air (such as vinyl chloride, dioxin and ethylene dichloride), artificial PVC needles are laden with cancer causing chemicals that just so happen to make them appear more realistic to the touch. Worse still, fake Christmas trees are generally manufactured in Asia and contain very high levels of lead that generally surpass what is accepted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Hmmm, perhaps you'd consider making a repurposed tomato cage version or a cardboard clone of Recycle Now's Christmas Tree (below), instead?
Linda Lucille
said on December 03, 2009