Real vs fake Christmas trees: Which is better for the environment?

The Christmas season is here and while it’s all about bringing cheer, our festive traditions can leave behind an environmental footprint if we’re not too careful. One key tradition that often sparks environmental debate is the choice of Christmas tree.

So, which is better for the planet: a real tree or a fake one?

Are fake Christmas trees bad for the environment?

Fake trees can be a convenient and reusable solution at Christmas – one that doesn’t leave pine needles all over the carpet. But, when it comes to the environment, they’re not necessarily the sparkly alternative they seem at first glance. Most fake trees are made from PVC, a non-renewable plastic that’s energy-intensive to produce and nearly impossible to recycle. Unfortunately, this is a sad reality of Christmas we don’t always want to think about.

They’re also often manufactured abroad, travelling thousands of miles (mostly from China) to reach the UK. All of this adds up to a hefty carbon footprint. On average, a 2-meter artificial tree has a carbon footprint of around 40kg CO₂e. That’s over 11 times the footprint of a real tree.

If you are looking at your tree as a long-term investment and not part of the fast fashion of decorating at Christmas, reusing your tree for at least 11.5 years can help it outweigh its associated impact. As most artificial trees are thrown away after just six years, being intentional about what tree you want for the long term is the best thing to do.

Why are real trees considered better?

When it comes to carbon impact, real trees are the winners. A natural Christmas tree will absorb CO₂ while it grows and is often sourced locally within the UK. While transportation and farming (fertilisers, for example) add emissions, real trees can be recycled, chipped and reused after the holidays, making them a better option for the planet if you have the budget to choose one.

The Carbon Trust estimates that a 2-meter real Christmas tree has a carbon footprint of just 3.5kg CO₂e if it’s recycled responsibly. Compare that to 40kg CO2e for a fake tree, and the difference is clear. Even better, some farms and schemes now let you rent a real tree, which is replanted after Christmas giving it a second life and reducing its carbon footprint even further.

Plus, let’s not forget the unbeatable smell of fresh pine can’t be matched.

Isn’t cutting down real trees harmful?

Cutting down trees can feel a bit wrong, but Christmas trees are farmed specifically for this purpose, much like any crop. If they weren’t planted, they wouldn’t have absorbed carbon while they grew. Many farms also plant new trees to replace those that are harvested, ensuring the cycle continues year after year.

So, you shouldn’t feel guilty about cutting down your tree during the festive season.

How can you responsibly recycle your tree?

Yes, real trees are easy to recycle, which is another point in their favour. Many UK councils offer free tree collection services in January, where trees are chipped and turned into mulch or compost. Alternatively, some farms or garden centres let you return your tree to be replanted.

For artificial trees, recycling is tricky. If you’re replacing an old one, consider donating it to a charity or community centre to extend its life.

Tips for a green Christmas

Choosing a real, sustainably sourced tree is just one way to have a greener Christmas. There are some other swaps you can make this year to make this holiday season more sustainable:

• Buy less, give more: Consider gifting experiences like theatre tickets or a spa day instead of physical items. Secret Santa is a great way to reduce the number of gifts, too.
• Get crafty: Upcycle old items, make homemade gifts, or regift something meaningful.
• Shop second-hand: Vintage decorations and pre-loved treasures can add charm to your gifts.
• Sustainable wrapping: Use recycled paper or fabric wraps and tie it up with ribbon or string instead of tape.
• Recycle on the big day: Amid the excitement of unwrapping gifts, don’t forget to sort and recycle all that paper and packaging.

By making small changes, we can all enjoy a Christmas that’s full of joy and a little kinder to the planet.