There’s a definite feeling of festive cheer going around Ard Nahoo (which is, I admit, uncharacteristic). So with all the concerns of the recession, a planet that’s falling apart and plain old Christmas boredom, here is your very own guide to a merry Christmas.
Tree
A tricky issue. While some may argue that an artificial Christmas tree is the better option long term, I would argue that that is silly. Artificial Christmas trees are made with highly toxic materials, including PVC. On top of this, they are mostly made in China and Taiwan. So add to the toxicity a high carbon footprint (as well as the assumed poor working conditions and pay needed to create the trees) and your tree is starting to look a paler shade of green.
Most real trees bought around this time are grown specifically for that purpose, so check with your local grower how their operation works. If you buy your tree from a reputable grower, then you can be sure you’re getting a tree which won’t damage the local ecosystems. You’re also supporting a local business, which is always a bonus. In most cases, two to three seedlings are planted to replace each tree cut. However, it’s always best to ask your grower. If they’re evasive about their techniques, most of the time they’ve got something to hide…
Another important tip to a greener tree is not pegging it in the skip when you’re done. If you’re really unlucky and the tree has died over the festive season, then put it in a compost heap. Again, your grower should have some great tips on how to keep the tree alive after Stephen’s Day.
Remember the importance of switching off lights when not in use. So much electricity is wasted at this time of year and, honestly, lights in windows often strike me as tacky rather than festive. No one really walks past your house and thinks you a scrooge if you’re not lit up like Vegas. So save the lights for when you’re sitting around the tree, mulled wine and mince pies in hand.
Finally, try your hand at making your own decorations this year. A bit of old newspaper, wallpaper paste and glitter can work wonders. Just make sure you have a kid close by whom you can blame it all on. A squiffy looking angel perched atop the tree is only cute when the maker isn’t in their forties.
Keep an eye out for our next entry, on my favourite subject…food.
Posted on December 9th, 2008 by Nicola
Filed under: Blog
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Owning an artificial Christmas tree is healthier for the environment over a 10-year period, according to a study sponsored by the American Christmas Tree Association (ACTA).
The study found that a consumer using an average artificial Christmas tree has a significantly smaller carbon footprint than a consumer using average farm-grown Christmas trees. The in-depth analysis studied both real and artificial Christmas trees from ‘cradle to grave’ over a 10-year use period. The study was based on the North American consumer and compared the most commonly sold 6′ artificial Christmas tree, manufactured in China, to 6′ real Christmas trees grown locally in the United States.
‘Consumers who care about the environment have an easy decision this holiday season,’ said Jami Warner, Executive Director of the American Christmas Tree Association. ‘Choosing to invest in an artificial Christmas tree not only reduces global warming and other environmental impacts, it also is a wise financial investment.’
The study, conducted by leading sustainability firm PE Americas, found that the most significant contribution to global warming came from transportation of real Christmas trees from tree farms and lots to consumer homes. ‘I was really surprised to learn that driving out to a tree farm and cutting down a tree is the worst environmental choice you can make when you buy a Christmas tree,’ said Warner, ‘it’s actually substantially better for the environment to buy a tree from a local retailer rather than to drive out to a farm.’
The study found that the best way to reduce the carbon footprint is to choose an artificial Christmas tree and to use it for ten or more years. ‘If you use an artificial tree for just one year and then throw it away, there’s no benefit,’ said Warner, ‘of course, in today’s economy, it’s much more likely that consumers will invest in something that will last.’
‘Our association was formed to provide the most factual information possible for consumers,’ said Warner, ‘this life-cycle study illustrating the environmental benefits of artificial Christmas trees is an important service to discerning consumers.’
About the American Christmas Tree Association:
The American Christmas Tree Association is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide the public with the most current and factual data to help consumers make well-educated decisions about Christmas trees. For more information, please visit http://www.christmastreeassociation.org
About PE Americas:
A collaboration of two global leaders in sustainability, Five Winds International and PE International, Boston-based PE Americas provides unrivaled expertise helping global businesses meet the growing demand for excellence in the environmental performance of materials, products, and processes. To learn more, please visit http://www.pe-americas.com
Hmm…that’s all very interesting. It’s always good to get both sides of the argument. However, I would still like to argue that real is better, for the following reasons.
1. The article above seems to deal with the carbon footprint of the tree as the sole issue. While this is of course an important factor, the fact that the artificial trees are made of PVC should be addressed. PVC is an incredibly toxic material, for both the producers (see below) and the inhabitants of the home where it will sit.
2. It would be interesting to see where the information regarding carbon emissions comes from. Even over a ten year period, when the shipping is taken into consideration, as well as the factory emissions, is it really working out better? Admittedly, I live in Ireland, where tree farms are plentiful and reliable. Perhaps in America the distance is a little greater.
3. I would really consider the factory conditions to be one of, if not the most important factors here. China is not exactly renowned for its working conditions, and that’s before the chemicals from PVC are taken into account. Poor wages, long hours, even child labour wouldn’t surprise me. In my opinion, this wouldn’t bring about Christmas cheer if I were to sit in front of that tree.
Anyway, it’s all just opinions! If you, or anyone else, would like to challenge the above, please comment back!
Where do you get all of your ideas from? I struggle to write once per week.
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