How Do Fake Plants Affect The Environment?

Nowadays, artificial plants are very popular among the public There is a controversy between artificial plants and real plants Which one is better, real trees or fake trees. There are clear pros and cons to both, but it may not be clear which is the better option from an environmental perspective. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the greenest trees:

real tree

Besides the fresh smell of pine, real trees have many benefits—especially the environment. While many people think that cutting down live trees is a form of deforestation and therefore think that it damages the environment, the opposite is true. Most live trees are grown on tree farms for the sole purpose of being harvested, just like any other crop. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, farmers typically plant one to three new trees each year for every tree they cut down. These trees absorb harmful carbon dioxide, which in turn releases oxygen into the air, while also providing habitat for wildlife. Buying live trees supports tree farms and allows them to plant new trees every year, ultimately benefiting the environment. In the United States alone, Christmas tree farms currently plant nearly 350 million trees—those 350 million trees exist because of the demand for real trees!

If you choose a real tree, there are several factors that affect its impact on the environment. For example, buying a tree from a local tree farm can reduce transport emissions. In addition, recycling or composting trees after use can reduce their overall impact. Live trees can be cut and turned into mulch, wood chips or firewood. Many municipalities offer curbside collection options or free drop-off locations to recycle your trees and turn them into mulch. Since live trees are 100% biodegradable, there are many ways to make sure your tree continues to help the planet after the holidays.

artificial tree

Artificial trees are much more convenient than live trees—but they often come with more harmful effects. About 85 percent of fake trees in the United States are manufactured overseas — resulting in high emissions from transportation. If you choose to buy a fake tree this holiday season, try to buy one that is made in the USA. In addition, the manufacture of fake trees requires a lot of energy, which results in greenhouse gas emissions.

One of the most serious consequences of fake trees is that they end up in landfills. Many fake trees are made of PVC, a plastic that is not recyclable and harmful to the environment. While real trees are biodegradable and can be recycled or composted, fake trees can live much longer in landfill than in homes.

Despite these negative impacts on the environment, one option is to choose artificial trees that are more environmentally friendly than choosing real trees. According to the Carbon Trust, using the same artificial tree for 7 to 20 years has greater environmental benefits than buying a new commercially planted tree every year. Most Americans will only keep the same artificial tree for six to nine years, but keeping it for almost 20 years can significantly reduce its environmental impact.

conclusion

In general, real trees do less harm to the environment. Buying local trees and recycling them upon completion is essential to reduce their impact. But if the artificial tree is made in the United States and used for more than 20 years, the environmental impact is reduced.

Whether you choose a real or artificial tree, one of the best ways to make a positive impact on the environment this holiday season is to choose 100% clean and renewable energy sources for your home, namely wind and solar. Give yourself and your loved ones the gift of a cleaner planet this holiday season!