It’s evident now more than ever how our consumer choices and lifestyle decisions have significant and lingering effects on the planet and the precarious ecological system on which we depend. Images of oceans packed with more plastic than fish, communities devastated by natural disasters and landscapes scorched by record temperatures are visual representations of action and reaction.
Everything down to the type of artificial Christmas tree we choose has a resounding impact on how hospitable the world of tomorrow will be, which makes “eco-fying” one of your most beloved holiday traditions not only worth it, but imperative.
“Artificial Christmas trees are commonly made from PVC or polyethylene plastics and imported from China or South Korea,” explained Emily Fletcher, a sustainability expert and founder of the Australian Clean + Conscious Awards. “Both of these plastics are derived from petrochemicals and create huge greenhouse gas emissions in their manufacture.”
While it’s nearly impossible to find artificial Christmas trees that are not made from PVC or some kind of polyethylene plastics, there are some made from recycled PVC, which is a much better option if you’re buying your first artificial tree or replacing one that’s busted.
“Depending on what the artificial Christmas tree is made and sourced from, it has the potential to be one of the most sustainable products,” said Matt Bertulli, a longtime waste management advocate and the CEO of Pela, an international sustainability company that makes everyday products out of everyday waste. “By purchasing one artificial tree made of sustainable products and materials, you are drastically reducing harmful products from being thrown into the environment.”
Robert Gibson, a professor at the school of environment, resources and sustainability at the University of Waterloo in Canada, told HuffPost it’s crucial to consider “the full life cycle of the products involved. For an artificial tree, that includes the effects of extracting the materials, manufacturing, transporting, using, storing, recycling or disposing.”
Although artificial trees made in the U.S.A. are very few and far between, Gibson’s words suggest that locally made trees, which likely haven’t used as much fossil fuel to arrive at your doorstep, are worth the effort in the long run if you can find one. Buying domestic can also help prevent you from experiencing the host of global supply issues that are having a huge impact on the artificial tree industry.
That said, the use that you get out of the tree is perhaps the most critical factor.
“The idea behind using an artificial tree is that it will be used repeatedly and therefore save a living tree from being cut down and subsequently heading to landfill just a few weeks later,” Fletcher said. “So, if you’re doing an artificial tree, the most important factor in its sustainability is to use it for as many years as possible.”
Take a look at some of the artificial Christmas trees on the more sustainable side below for an earth-conscious Christmas.
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This elevated and rustic Christmas tree allows you to invest in a natural non-PVC material that will remain intact for years to come. This dreamy tree stands either 4 or 6 feet tall and is made with soft feather-like dried pampas grasses that doesn't need ornaments.
"There are more sustainable reusable tree options, such as a living tree in a pot or one made from driftwood, decorated branches or sustainably sourced timber," Fletcher told HuffPost.
This unique Christmas tree alternative can be adjusted and designed in an endless number of ways and be taken apart easily for convenient storage. Standing six feet in height, the base and branches are handmade from recycled wood pine, poplar and oak by a carpenter in Pennsylvania.
It comes in either 5 or 6 feet and includes the X-base.
The full, lush branches of alternating evergreen colors help add to the realism of this 7-foot tree by Oncor, a company that promises you can get 30 years of use from their trees, which are made from 100% reused PVC plastic. They also donate a percentage of their sales to FTP (For The Planet) approved non-profit environmental organizations around the globe.
Professor Greys Sošić is chair of the department of data sciences and operations at University of Southern California and an expert in supply chain management and sustainability. Sošić told HuffPost that "when choosing lights, LED lights are the better choice due to their energy efficiency."
This pre-lit tree from National Tree Company uses dual multi-colored LED lights that are low heat and have 10 different functions. The nine-foot Dunhill fir is also made in the U.S., so there'll be no carbon emissions as a result of overseas shipping.
It comes in three sizes starting 7.5 feet to10 feet.
Another alternative material Christmas tree option that also comes from Etsy is this handmade spiral tree made from laser cut plywood. It has a slim design so it can fit into smaller spaces and stands 75 inches tall without any tools required for assembly. The seller is based in Europe and recommends express shipping to the US to avoid any holiday-related delays.
Traditionally, aspen firs are seen peppering snow-capped mountains and are best identified by their slightly upturned branches. And while this aspen fir replica tree wasn't grown in such a stunning landscape, it is made with 100% recycled PVC plastic that's both non-toxic and flame retardant. With a 42-inch max diameter, this can be a good option for more narrow and taller spaces.
It comes in three sizes starting at 4.5 feet up to 6 feet.
This Parana slim pine stands either 5 feet or 8 tall and features pops of lighter branches, also made from 100% recycled PVC plastic. Oncor uses a hook-tree construction and knock-down packaging to reduce carbon emissions from shipping and packaging waste.