"O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree! Thy leaves are so unchanging"This classic melody can be interpreted in many ways. Originally the song talked about the various pine trees needles staying green (evergreen) all year 'round despite the changing of the seasons. But since the introduction of artificial trees the tree truly never changes, it is the same tree year after year.
Do you use an artificial tree? Why? Is it convenience? Cheaper? Do you think it is more environmentally friendly? Whatever your reason there's something you should know before you pull your plastic tree out again this holiday season.
Did you know that the tree that you lovingly decorate with your family was most likely made in China. Not only does China lack proper rules/laws and regulations when it comes to the materials they use but China has also been in the spotlight on many occasions due to their unethical and immoral use of child labour and sweat shops with unfair wages, hours, and treatment of their workers. Another consideration is the large amounts of fuel burned for the long distance shipping and storage. It all adds to the environmental strain/impact/pollution/footprint which is slowly gaining recognition but is a far cry from being in the forefront of people's minds. It is becoming an increasing problem with each year that passes and in the end it will be all living things that pay the price ~ including our children and generations to come. Now, I'm not saying that an artificial tree is the root cause of our demise but if there are alternatives that are healthier/safer and leave a lighter footprint for our children then why hasn't everyone made a small step in the right direction by changing the little things we can? It's something we should all be doing not just during the holiday's but everyday.
I'm sure most people don't realize that artificial trees are made of petroleum based products and deplete precious non-renewable resources. If the long-term environmental aspects of these trees don't hit a chord with the general public then maybe the fact that they contain toxic fire retardants and are made of off-gassing materials like PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) will. PVC uses lead or tin as a stabilizer and "according to the Children's Health Environmental Coalition, the manufacture of PVC creates and disperses dioxins, which include the most toxic man-made chemical known. Released into air or water, dioxins enter the food chain, where they accumulate in fatty tissues of animals and humans, a potential risk for causing cancer, damaging immune functions and impairing children's development." If that wasn't enough the pretty pre-lit Christmas trees that make Christmas set-up a breeze - have toxic lights which contain chemicals like lead, mercury, cadmium, and chromium.
Now most people think how does a tree in my home effect my family's health? I'm not going to be chewing on any part of the tree! Yes, while that is true for adults if you have children or pets they might. But it's not the direct contact that's of particular concern, it's not only the fact that you will be handling the tree with your children -but the fact that the dust comes off the tree is filled with all those toxic chemicals. The off gassing of the PVC, the chemicals, and heavy metals end up in the air, on presents as they sit under the tree, on the floor, in carpets etc. These fill the air and make their way into your lungs and blood stream. It's definitely not healthy for adults to be breathing this in but it is even more unhealthy for little one's who are more vulnerable to toxins. If you have an artificial tree, it's a given that you will be breathing in toxic chemicals.
If you consider the myriad of chemicals your household will be breathing in for a month or so why not take a look at healthier alternatives for your family and for the environment - after all, future generations rely on us. They are the one's who will ultimately pay the price for our short-comings and our actions. Our family's "health" relies on our knowledge and precautions. There are safer and healthier alternatives to everything. Most people however have no idea what those options are or how everyday things effect our family's"body burden".
Artificial trees unlike their real counterparts are not degradable which means they will sit in a landfill for a very very long time, taking up space and polluting the earth and ground water. Real tree's can be made into mulch and other products once they are picked up and taken away. They also degrade/decompose and becomes a natural part of the earth.
What about real trees - doesn't cutting down the tree mean less trees? A popular misconception. The simple answer is no. Christmas trees do not contribute to deforestation. Christmas trees are farmed and are a renewable source (new trees are planted to substitute the one's that are being cut down). However they are sprayed with pesticide and that is also a concern for the environment and our indoor air quality. The best thing to do is find out where your tree is from, talk to the farmers and find out the amount of pesticides they use. Recently pesticide free tree farms have been popping up due to the demand of environmentalists and conscious consumers who demand toxic free alternatives.
Another misconception that many people have about real trees is that real trees are a fire hazard and burn more easily or catch fire easier than artificial one's. That is simply not true, I often ask people where they get such a notion and most of them say that they "heard it somewhere". The fact that artificial trees are treated with "flame retardant" does not make them "flame resistant" the two mean entirely different things and yes, an artificial tree will burn! Now a real tree that is well cared for and in water will take a long time to dry out. If you've ever tried to start a fire with a wet log or a fresh branch you will quickly realize that it will not burn, it will smolder and create smoke but it will not catch fire! Real trees are not dried out kindling logs or branches but for some strange reason many people make a mental connection between the two objects and link the burning capacity to Christmas trees. In that case any trees/plants that you have in your home would be capable of the same thing if you added lights. Outdoor trees are decorated by millions each year and rarely if ever do they catch fire from faulty electrical wiring.
But besides using artificial or cut trees for Christmas there are so many other alternatives. You can buy a potted tree, decorate it, and plant it outside in the Spring. Or Collect some branches and Decorate them indoors, You can hang decorations throughout the house, the possibilities are endless all you need is some creativity and imagination. Having a safe, healthy, and happy Holiday doesn't have to be difficult or exhausting. Just let your fingers do the walking - take a look online for some inspiration, we did! Just remember while the lights on the trees and decorations may be pretty - turn them off if you are not going to be around. This may sound like a simple thing but you would be amazed how many people leave the lights on for the night as they retire to bed or leave them on the tree and house when they leave their home. Make sure that the plug is actually unplugged from any decorations before you leave. I hope everyone out there has a wonderful, safe, and healthy Holiday Season! I found some inspiring pictures for decorations and alternatives to the traditional Christmas Tree. Take a look and - enjoy!
