Did you know that the first artificial Christmas trees were manufactured in the early 1930’s by a company in the business of making toilet scrubbers and brushes? So the first fake trees were nothing more than gigantic, green toilet bowl scrubbers! Artificial trees have continued to gain widespread popularity since the 30’s. In 2007 almost 18 million were sold in the United States. It is common belief that buying artificial saves money while saving the environment by not cutting down any trees. But there might be more to the rivalry of fake vs. real Christmas trees. In this blog we will tackle the pros and cons to fake trees while this Thursday’s blog will take on the perks and drawbacks to real trees. Check out both blogs before you make your decision about which tress is right for your family this Christmas season.
Advantages:
1. One of the biggest advantages of using artificial trees is the cost savings. Once you invest the money you’re done and you can use the tree year after year.
2. Artificial trees are convenient. All you need to do is drag it out of your attic, basement, or garage once a year and you’re good to go. It’s always that “perfect shape”, and you don’t have to worry about haggling with the Christmas tree lot salesman to get a good deal. The trees don’t need any watering and won’t scatter mounds of messy needles all over the floor.
Disadvantages:
There are probably more than you know
1. Artificial trees are made from PVC plastic. Researchers believe that millions of artificial trees, especially older models, could be harboring lead, which can easily spread inside the home. Furthermore, PVC plastics release dioxins over time. These dioxins are extremely toxic to both humans and animals. When they’re released into the air or water, they’re stored in our fatty tissue and can cause cancer, neurological damage, and many other serious health issues.
2. PVC is a petroleum-based, non-biodegradable plastic. Once you throw your artificial tree away, it’s going to be in the landfill forever. And because the plastic fibers are fused and glued to the metal frame, artificial trees can’t be recycled.
3. Over 85% of all the artificial trees sold in the U.S. come from China. This not only adds to the carbon footprint, but it means we’re buying (yet again) more products from China instead of something that’s produced here in the U.S.
4. Fake trees are a fire hazard. The Farmington Hills, MI fire department conducted a burn test to see which was more dangerous in a fire: an artificial tree or a real tree. Take a look at what happened:
After all we learned from our Fire Themed Blogs, I think it’s safe to say we should avoid the flammable artificial trees.