Which Christmas tree is greener? Real, artificial, or potted?
A real tree which we then take to the recycling centre? A real tree, but potted, which we could then re-use every year. Or a plastic tree which we could re-use for several years.
Which Christmas tree is greener? Real, artificial, or potted?
We’re having family to stay in our new house for Christmas, and so I got talking to my daughter a few days ago about what we were going to do for a Christmas tree. Some years ago, we made a Christmas tree mobile, with sticks and leaves, which we decorate with LED lights and a choice selection of festive tinsel and Christmas ornaments. But what about pushing the boat out this year?
We ended up having an interesting, and fully woke discussion, about what would be the most environmentally friendly solution:
- A real tree which we then take to the recycling centre?
- A real tree, but potted, which we could then re-use every year (if we could keep it alive…).
- Or a plastic tree (which we weren’t very keen on, but…) which we could re-use for several years.
So which option has the lowest carbon footprint? Here’s what the data says:
Artificial Tree: Manufacturing a 2 m PVC tree emits about 40 kg CO₂e. If you reuse it for 10+ years, its annual impact drops to ~4 kg/year, making it competitive (that is: 40 kg CO₂e spread over 10 years of use, means the average yearly emissions are 4 kg CO₂e/a …).
Real Tree (which is then composted): this option generates round 5 kg CO₂e per year. Composting or chipping is key to keep emissions low.
Real Tree (Landfilled): this is the worst option—up to 16 kg CO₂e per year due to the methane emissions from the rotting biomass (methane was a Global Warming Potential about 27 times higher than CO2).
Real Tree (Burned/Incinerated): this generated about 3.5 kg CO₂e per year, which is better than landfill, especially if it’s burnt in energy recovery facilities, where the heat is used for some other purpose.
Potted/Replantable Tree: This one is the winner in the long-term—roughly 20 kg CO₂e over 10 years if cared for and reused annually.
Bottom line:
If you already own an artificial tree: keep using it as long as possible.
If you want a real tree: choose local, and compost or incinerate responsibly.
If you want the greenest choice, go for a potted tree which you can reuse or replant.
Sources:
- Carbon Trust – Life Cycle Assessment of Christmas Trees
- Zurich Insurance – Sustainability tips for festive season
- ADEME (Agence de la Transition Écologique) – Environmental impact of natural vs artificial trees