Buying Real vs. Artificial Christmas Treesearth911.com: 12.01.2011 by Lori Brown
The real versus artificial Christmas tree debate replays itself year after year. But the truth is, each option has its own place on the naughty-and-nice list.
Just a few short decades ago, displaying a Christmas tree in your living room really only yielded one option: a real pine or fir tree. That all changed when a U.S.-based toilet bowl brush manufacturer, the Addis Brush Company, created an artificial tree from brush bristles in the 1930s, acting as the prototype for modern artificial trees.
The Pros and Cons of Artificial Trees
Guilt. Many have made it the sole reason to invest in an artificial tree. The thought of cutting down a new tree each year can put a damper on the holidays for some.
Also, cost, convenience and environmental impact are other reasons consumers opt for an artificial tree.
Given the current economic climate, artificial trees may be especially appealing for their investment value when compared with the recurrent, annual expense of a real Christmas tree. Their convenience is also appealing to consumers as they don’t need watering, don’t leave pine needles all over the floor and transportation from tree farm to home isn’t an issue.
But many experts believe artificial trees actually have a greater negative environmental impact when all aspects of an their life cycle are considered.
Today’s artificial trees are typically manufactured with metal and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a non-biodegradable, petroleum-derived plastic. In addition, many older varieties may contain lead, used as a stabilizer in the manufacturing process.
Despite their PVC contents, artificial trees are non-recyclable and non-biodegradable, meaning they will sit in a landfill for centuries after disposal.
Furthermore, approximately 85 percent of artificial trees sold in the U.S. are imported from China, according to the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA), adding to their overall environmental footprint.
The Pros and Cons of Real Trees
Approximately 33 million real Christmas trees are sold in North America each year, according to the U.S. EPA. Luckily, about 93 percent of those trees are recycled through more than 4,000 available recycling programs.
Also known as “treecycling,” the act of *recycling a Christmas tree is a leading reason many experts agree they are more environmentally friendly than their plastic counterparts. READ MORE !
*Burbank Recycle Center – Christmas Tree Recycling
~ All tinsel, ornaments, metal stands, and plastic buckets must be removed
~ Flocked trees are NOT recycled
Recycle Trees 3 Ways !
1: Jan 2 – Jan 20, 2012 – At the curb or alley
~ place with waste containers on scheduled waste collection day
2: Dec 26, 2011 – Jan 20, 2012 – Drop off @ 2 parks
Brace Canyon Park, 2901 Haven Way [in parking lot off Haven Way]
Verdugo Park, 3201 W Verdugo Ave [near corner of California St & Verdugo Ave]
3: Cut up your tree
~ place it in the green waste containers with other yard trimmings
For more information: 818 . 238 . 3800
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