Christmas is nice without onedecorated Christmas treeis unimaginable for many. The Christmas trees, like the mulled wine, the cookies and the snow, are simply part of the festival. Before buying, many people ask themselves the question: Shouldn't you forego real Christmas trees and use the plastic alternative instead? Ultimately, more than 30 million Christmas trees are felled nationwide every year. It would be much better to get a plastic Christmas tree. Or not?
Real Christmas trees grow for over ten years before they are cut down
Real Christmas trees have several advantages over the plastic alternative, say the experts. They are Co2 neutral. This means that during the growing season the trees absorb carbon dioxide and then release oxygen into the atmosphere. The amount of oxygen released is enough to supply 18 people. This growing period lasts more than 10 years. After this time, the tree is felled and then decorates houses and shops. After Christmas, the Christmas trees are burned, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Ultimately, the trees have a neutral ecological balance if they are purchased from a local tree center.
Even if the Christmas trees are native, they do not come from the nearby forest. The trees are grown in special plantations. In these fir tree plantations the soil is fertilized, so the trees do not deplete natural resources. During the growing season they also provide habitat for birds and small animals. Every year, as many Christmas trees are planted as were felled during Advent.
In Canada, Christmas trees are grown in places where no other plants grow. These mountain forests protect against soil erosion and landslides.
Real Christmas trees, but certified
You also need to be careful when buying real Christmas trees. The trees from certified plantations are not treated with insecticides and herbicides or only according to certain guidelines. If you choose a Christmas tree from a plantation near you, you will keep your carbon footprint low.
Plastic trees are an alternative if they will be used for over 15 years. When purchasing, however, you should find out whether the artificial Christmas tree can be recycled.
