Christmas Trees!

Which is more sustainable? Real or artificial Christmas trees?

The short answer: real Christmas trees.

Though artificial trees can be used for multiple years, they are primarily made of plastic, which comes from fossil fuels, and are manufactured abroad, meaning they need to be transported from long distances to get to the US. Given the variety of materials used to make artificial trees (multiple types of plastic, steel, etc.), they are difficult to recycle and are generally sent to landfills for disposal. In addition, chemicals used to make the plastics along with ones added to the trees, such as flame retardants, have been linked with health effects that have scientists concerned.

Real trees, on the other hand, are a renewable resource. While growing, these trees absorb carbon from the air, provide habitat, reduce erosion, and improve water quality. Though it may seem counterintuitive that cutting down trees can be better for the environment, Christmas trees are grown and harvested on farms that tend to be located in areas that are not suitable for other types of farming. Christmas tree farms tend to be family-owned and many more trees are left standing than are cut down. Purchase of a tree that was grown nearby also reduces the environmental footprint.

After the holidays, make sure to dispose of your tree properly. In College Park, special pick-up of real trees can be scheduled with the Department of Public Works, where the trees will be composted or turned to mulch. If you have any questions about the Food Scrap program, feel free to call the Department of Public Works at 240.487.3590.