real or Fake Chtistmas trees?

Are real or fake Are real or fake trees better for trees better for the planet? the planet?

Christmas time poses lots of choices when it comes to sustainability. One particular question that is often asked is which is more environmentally friendly, a real or artificial tree? We’ve done some research to help you decide what might be best for you. Artificial trees are generally made from plastic (oil), which makes up the largest part of their carbon footprint. Add to that the emissions from industrial processes used to make them and the fuel consumed in shipping (usually from the other side of the globe) and the picture is not particularly good for the planet. Fake plastic trees also won’t last forever, or biodegrade, so they inevitably end up in landfill at some point. It has been calculated that a 6.5ft artificial tree has a carbon footprint equivalent to about 40kg of greenhouse gas emissions – which is more than twice that of a real tree that ends its life in landfill and more than 10 times that of a real tree which is burnt. real trees however aren’t as eco-friendly as you might first think. Unless organically grown they are exposed to pesticides and all trees are mostly grown as part of a monoculture (the same crop planted on a large area). Both of these things are bad news for the soil and wider ecosystem. there are also varying levels of environmental impact depending on where you source your real tree and what you do with it come January. A 6.5ft tall real tree could result in a carbon footprint of 16kg CO2 if it ends up in landfill, because the tree decomposes and produces methane gas – which is 25 times more potent as a greenhouse gas than CO2. the best advice if choosing a real tree is to buy organic, grown locally and to pot it or have it chipped or burnt at the end of the day. The impact of both artificial and real trees has led some to explore other options. Eco Christmas tree, a female led norfolkbased business makes alternative Christmas trees from local coppiced hazel. the hazel is sustainable, cut as part of traditional woodland management - so no trees are harmed in the making of these alternative trees! the process of hazel coppicing benefits not only the trees themselves, encouraging regrowth and longevity, but also the many plants and creatures sharing the woodland habitat. With these trees being made locally and reusable year on year, if you are minded to have less impact on the planet this festive season you may want to check them out:

www.ecochristmastree.co.uk