A Christmas tree is perhaps the most recognisable symbol of the festive season.
Every year, people all across the World who celebrate the holiday flock to buy the perfect tree to decorate and arrange presents under.
It is believed the origin of the Christmas tree stems back to long before the advent of Christianity, when in many countries evergreen plants and trees were thought to keep away evil.
However, it is Germany that is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition in the 16th century, a few hundred years before they arrived in America in the 1820s where they rapidly became an annual tradition.
As the World battles with climate change, query whether Christmas trees are a sustainable option or whether we should consider alternatives?
Deforestation proves a massive threat to our natural world, with some arguing that cutting down a tree for ornamental purposes is harmful to our planet.
Nonetheless, Christmas tree species of Fir, Spruce and Pine are usually sustainable crops.
Typically grown in a nine – year cycle, every tree that is felled for Christmas is replaced, balancing human and environmental needs.
Christmas trees can often be grown locally, reducing carbon emissions from transport.
Notwithstanding the relatively sustainable process of growing and felling Christmas trees, disposing of them proves a challenge.
A Christmas tree sent to landfill sees its carbon footprint increase from 3.5kg to 16kg of carbon dioxide equivalent as methane is released during decomposition.
One alternative to landfill is to burn your tree on a bonfire or shred and spread it over your garden.
Others argue that artificial trees are the most sustainable option.
However, most artificial trees are made from a plastic material called Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) which releases environmentally harmful greenhouse gases during its production.
PVC is notoriously difficult to recycle and is often manufactured on the other side of the World, so the carbon footprint of artificial trees is increased by global shipping.
According to the Carbon Trust, a 2m tall artificial tree will release 40kg of carbon dioxide during its production, whereas a real tree of the same size without any roots will only release around 3.5kg of carbon dioxide – more than ten times less.
However, artificial trees can be used year after year so once the disposal of real trees is considered, the carbon footprint of both trees more or less equals out.
Overall, the most sustainable option is neither a real or artificial, but a potted tree.
This allows for the tree to be replanted and reused every year and, whilst it takes more care to look after the tree all year round, it is a much more sustainable option for our planet.
Many garden centres and plant nurseries offer a rent a tree service where they rent you a potted tree and then replant and reuse it.
Whilst the Christmas tree has been adopted into our yearly celebrations, it is important to acknowledge the affect of our actions on the environment in order to make for the most sustainable Christmas.
