Real vs Faux Christmas Trees: Which Is Better for the Planet?
Getting the Christmas tree is a big deal in our house!
My husband and kids follow the principle of ‘go big or go home’. If the tree doesn’t fit in the car, this is viewed as a very good thing. On the other hand, I always comment that it gets more ridiculous every year, however i secretly LOVE their commitment to making our Christmas traditions one of laughter and team work!
One thing that i have wrestled with over the past few years is actually how sustainable it is to purchase a real tree - because yes i’m a big fan of the smell, tradition and even the dancing around the car trying to get the tree home.
So we thought we would share our thoughts- a pros and cons list if you like for #KnowYourStuffNovember…..
The Real Deal
As mentioned a real Christmas tree brings the unmistakable scent of pine and a touch of nature indoors. Most trees sold in the UK and internationally are grown on dedicated farms, meaning they’re replanted regularly and act as carbon sinks while they grow. One hectare of Christmas trees can absorb up to a tonne of CO₂ each year. When the season ends, real trees can be recycled into mulch or compost, or collected for chipping into biomass fuel - ensuring their carbon is returned to the earth rather than landfill.
However, transport can add to their footprint, especially if imported. Choosing a locally grown, pesticide-free tree and disposing of it responsibly is key- worth doing your research on farms local to you and whether your local council offer recycling services - most do.
The Artificial Alternative
Faux trees do win points for reusability - a good one can last a decade or more (my parents tree lasted 25 years). However they’re typically made from PVC, a petroleum-based plastic, and metal frames that are energy-intensive to produce and nearly impossible to recycle. According to the Carbon Trust, you would need to use an artificial tree for around 10 to 20 years before its carbon impact equals that of a natural one used just once. Obviously depending on where you sourced your tree.
The Feel-Good Factor
For me and my family we feel that a real tree engage the senses - the texture of needles, the fresh scent, the ritual of choosing the “perfect” one (even though we may all have different opinions of what perfect is). Faux trees offer convenience, uniformity, and no needle drop, but lack that living connection with nature.
Our Verdict:
If you love the scent and ceremony, go real and recycle it well. If convenience calls, commit to keeping your faux tree for many, many Christmases to come.
Whatever you decide the real joy is in who you share it with!