Many factors go into the Christmas tree selection:
- Married v. single
- Kids v. no kids
- Pets
- Tradition
- Cost
- Maintenance
- Storage
- Ease
- Flexibility
- Lighting options
- Patience level
While there are multiple factors which include, but are not limited to the list above, overall, it’s worth noting that according to polls from The Washington Post and ABC News, nearly 60 percent of Americans set up fake trees each year. Without getting wrapped around the axle on each of the factors here, we can focus on the pros and cons accordingly:
Real Tree Pros:
Despite our childhood fantasies, few Christmas trees come from the forest anymore. Nearly all Christmas trees are grown at a farm or plantation across all 50 states – making them easy to find locally. Buying real Christmas trees helps support local famers through their sale, mulching and repurposing within the environment.
Real Tree Cons:
Real Christmas trees can have pest problems and are usually grown with the use of pesticides that are toxic to wildlife and in some cases, people. The EPA has banned indoor use of some of these pesticides which can cause damage to the human nervous system.
Fake Tree Pros:
Cheap. Reusable. Convenient. That’s about it!
Fake Tree Cons:
Fake Christmas trees are made from PVC. When PVC is produced, there is a toxic chemical released into the environment. PVC also contains hormone-disrupting plastic softeners and can be found to contain lead. Maybe you want that in your living room – maybe you don’t. At the end of the road, a fake Christmas tree can’t be recycled – it merely takes up space in a landfill. Forever.
Still not decided? No worries just yet as there’s no single, right answer. No judgment – honestly ;)
