With an ever-growing plastic overwhelm and global warming heating up more than just the temperatures, more families are choosing sustainable products, including natural Christmas tree alternatives.

Until a few years ago, the plastic tree was growing in popularity – consumers, believed fake trees were a healthier environmental choice. However, with greater education, this tide appears to be turning. Families keen to limit plastic purchases and invest in a more sustainable future for their children, are opting for a natural tree alternative. Plastic is out, and freshly cut, or growing in a pot, is in!

One of the most exciting days of the year, is the point in mid-December, when we buy our Christmas tree. The drive out is an excursion in and of its self. Through mountain terrain, stopping along the way for a picnic lunch in the national park, before arriving at the farm gate to choose our tree. There are plenty of options closer to home, but as Christmas comes just once a year, it’s a special time for us to connect as a family and support our local farmers.

The trees have been lovingly cared for and pruned during the growing season, to reflect the traditional cone shape. Up and down the paddock we walk, to find the perfect specimen, before bundling it on the roof for the drive home.

REAL VS ARTIFICIAL - THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

There are several advantages and disadvantages for both real and fake trees. Fake Christmas trees are made from the plastic known as PVC, or polyvinyl chloride and has long been targeted by environmental campaigners as a source of dangerous pollution during the manufacturing process, which involves hazardous chemicals, such as liquid chlorine, huge energy inputs, and vast outputs of toxic waste.

A 6.5ft artificial tree has a carbon footprint equivalent to about 40kg of greenhouse gas emissions – which is more than twice that of a real tree that ends its life in landfill. They are virtually impossible to recycle and are almost inevitably destined for landfill, where they’ll leach toxins into the soil and water for thousands of years.

Unlike their plastic counterparts, real Christmas trees are a product of nature, and easily recycled, with no toxic afterlife. A 6.5ft tall real tree could result in a carbon footprint of 16kg CO2 if it ends up in landfill because the tree decomposes and produces methane gas. The good news is most councils now offer a collection service for real trees which they mulch and use on gardens and parks – the greenest way to dispose of your real tree. Pot-grown trees – which can be planted out in the garden when Christmas is over or re-potted and used again year after year – are also rising in popularity and they can have a negligible or even negative emissions.

GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR TREE

If you’re worried that your tree won’t last the Christmas distance, the trick to keeping a real tree from dropping needles is all in the aftercare.

Like a cut flower, there is still benefit in providing a water source at the base of your tree to extend its life in your home. I always trim the trunk with a hand saw which aids in water absorption. A watering stand for a 6ft tree, costs around $40 and play an invaluable part in keeping your tree healthy and vibrant. Fill your base, stand or bucket with a small supply to be toped up every few days.

Disposing of your tree has also never been easier. You can book a Christmas tree collection with your local council where it is collected and mulched. A natural tree gives us pure joy. The smell permeates every corner of our home and 55 years later, a real Christmas tree still gets my serotonin flowing.

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