Real Christmas trees may be better than fake ones

Christmastime is a stomach turner, and I don’t mean from the food. Personal spirit seems to be the only antidote for watching the waste pile up. It seems the evidence of consumerism and lack of accountability hits us right in the face.

On the other hand, it’s fun to look at lights and decorations in the middle of shorter, colder days and limited outdoor time. The Christmas tree isn’t part of everybody’s holiday season, but for many people, it certainly would be missed if it wasn’t there. Being mindful of a greener holiday includes choosing an environmentally friendly option for a tree.

Memories of the obnoxious attributes of certain artificial trees boost their popularity. Trendy at times, artificial trees come in colors such as white or hot pink. These qualities really add zip to flashback holiday stories that begin with the phrase “I remember when … ” Wouldn’t you know that a funny story is about the best thing artificial trees have to offer environmentally, as well? The artificial tree may last six years or so, but aside from a good story, they aren’t the best way to go green.

Artificial tree manufacturers say their trees are good for allergies, while at the same time, they are known to be laden with PVCs made from dioxins that irritate allergies and cause cancer. Other facts that make artificial trees not so green are that they are manufactured using a petroleum, high-energy production process. There are large amounts of waste from these types of manufacturing techniques. A good amount of artificial trees are also transported long distances, increasing CO2 emissions, including imports as far away as China. Let’s not forget, after the novelty of your hot pink tree wears off, it and all other artificial trees are not biodegradable and typically end up in landfills.

Some people feel bad about having a tree, and they decorate a household item. This can be fun and is more of a personal tradition.

However, if chosen properly, you can enjoy a real tree with a clear conscience. So let’s hear it for real trees – you can pick yourself a new one each year! It even cuts down on CO2 emissions if you buy local, and try to pick up your Christmas tree at the last few moments of running some errands. Then there is some accountability, which can be restored by properly recycling your tree and even planting a new one.

Potted trees are an option for some people. Potted trees are usually sold at a tree size of up to 4 feet. You wouldn’t want to keep a potted tree larger than this in your home, as a warm house isn’t a very good environment for a potted tree. The accountability factor is nice, though, as you can plant your tree right in your own backyard after the holidays.

If you buy a cut tree from a local farm, it’s easy to be responsible for what’s going to happen after Christmas when you have to get rid of your tree. This starts with no drop tinsel or white snow spray on your tree, as well as pesticides, as these are harmful to the environment when your tree begins to biodegrade. If you choose a farm that offers a recycling program, you can bring your tree back to them. Or you can even sink it in a pond. So long as there are no pesticides or chemicals on it, your tree is providing nutrients for the ecosystem.

There are Christmas tree labels and certifications out there, but you can just call the farm and ask questions such as “Do your trees have pesticides on them?” and “Do you have a recycling program?” I called Noel’s Tree Farm in Litchfield and was told this year no pesticides were used on the trees, because there were no bugs. That’s good news. Noel’s also offers a coupon to use next year when you bring your tree back to be recycled. They actually make the compost they spread on the soil for growing from the recycled trees. Ah, that feels better.

If you choose responsibly and see it through, you won’t have to contribute to the waste heaps or get stuck decorating the Christmas washing machine.

Only Better runs on the first, third and fifth Fridays of the month. Kristin Arrigo is an environmental writer and can be reached at karrigo@nashuatelegraph.com.