Real or fake Christmas tree?

[charliesp]

Can anyone help me please.

What is less damaging to the environment: buying a huge lump of plastic fake Christmas tree (that we will re-use for at least the next 5-10yrs) or buying a real tree that has sadly been cut down from a tree farm somewhere?

I'm erring on the side of the plastic tree..?

Potted tree being reused each year is the most environmentally friendly option from something I’ve seen doing the rounds on social media (which could well be nonsense)

Their list was

1. potted tree in and out of the garden each year was best

2. artificial tree that you use for at least a decade

3. new real tree every year you throw out.

We buy one from a local tree farm, so we're supporting local business. We chop up the trunk and burn it the following christmas; we'd need heat anyway. And the rest is compostable, so the carbon is returned to the soil.

Out artificial tree is several decades old.

From my point of view, I love trees and would hate to see one cut down so I could watch it die a long lingering death in my living room.

Why don't you think about getting a second-hand artificial tree? You would save it from being sent to landfill, and you won't end up killing a live tree either.

Thanks everyone! Sadly we can't do potted tree or local tree farm because we live in an apartment in central London. I like the idea of buying a second hand plastic one though, thanks!

We have a really good quality fake tree that's 8 years old and clearly has many years yet in it.

In 2003 I had the woman's equivalent of wanting a penis extension and bought the biggest, baddest artificial Xmas tree then. It was the good part of £120 and a monster.... 16 years later is still going strong! I think I have done well.

If you're near a Wilko they sell potted trees for £24. If your council recycle them just take the plastic pot off before you leave it out for collection.

We've been using our fake tree since 1998 .