Real v. Artificial: Which is More Green?

Picking out a tree to decorate for the holidays can be as simple as choosing between a live tree and an artificial one. But, when trying to be environmentally friendly, the decision might not be that simple.

Live versus artificial. Which one do you choose?

"Years ago they used a tree you could plant after Christmas," said Owner of Timber Run Gardens Steve Carter.

Those trees are still available, but can be a hassle.

"The bigger the tree, the bigger the root system," said Carter. "You do carry a lot of weight getting those trees inside."

But cutting down an estimated 30 to 35 million trees each year must be bad for the environment, right?

"You’re looking at 7 to 10 years for a 6 or 7 foot tree," he said. "If you back that chain up there’s thousands and thousands of trees being produced out there, which are good for the environment."

"It is a renewable resource because this is a product that is planted specifically for this purpose harvesting these trees," said Glenn Haight of Lowe’s Home Improvement. "It is not deforestation."

On the other hand, you wouldn’t throw out an artificial tree each year and they can look just as real.

"The quality of the artificial tree is much better now than it used to be a few years ago," said Carter. "The resemblance to a real tree is really good."

But making one isn’t a process conducted by mother nature.

"You do have a tree that’s made out of oil byproducts, plastic, that plastic itself creates bad things for the environment," said Haight.

So, which to choose?

The jury’s still out and you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons based on what’s best for you and yours.

If you want to keep your old artificial tree out of a landfill, consider donating it.

Or for real trees, Zanesville’s Litter Prevention and Recycling Program does recycle them after the holiday.

For more information on when and where you can recycle your Christmas tree, call 455 – 0629.