Living Planet What's better – real Christmas trees or fake ones?
Dec 19, 2024
Curtis van der Schaaf, an Assistant Professor and forestry extension specialist at Mississippi State University, unpacks the sustainability debate between real and artificial Christmas trees. He discusses the ecological impact of both choices, emphasizing the benefits of sourcing trees locally from tree farms. Curtis also explores innovative uses for post-holiday real trees in culinary creations, like Christmas tree needle-infused ice cream. Listeners are encouraged to consider quality, sentiment, and community connections when selecting their holiday trees.
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Maximize Artificial Tree Use
- Reuse your artificial Christmas tree for as long as possible.
- Reusing it for at least five years is better than buying multiple real trees.
Buy Local Trees
- Check the origin of your Christmas tree, whether real or artificial.
- Buying locally reduces your carbon footprint.
Cut Your Own Tree
- Consider cutting your own tree at a local farm to minimize your carbon footprint.
- It can be a fun family outing.