Real or Artificial Tree: Which is Better?

Article from the Winter 2024 City Guide

During the holidays the amount of waste generated increases by approximately 25%. To do our part, it is important we understand options to reduce waste. One option is the type of Christmas tree you choose. Which is more sustainable - real or artificial trees?

Greenhouse Gas Emissions 

Reusing the same artificial tree year after year may sound better than cutting down real trees, however it’s important to consider the impact of manufacturing plastic trees and shipping them around the world, which contributes to their carbon footprint. According to Statistics Canada, 97% of the artificial Christmas trees purchased in Canada come from China.

Real trees are usually grown close to home and during their average 13-to-15-year lifespan capture carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. 

A comparative lifecycle assessment study of artificial versus natural trees by Ellipsos, a Montreal-based sustainable development consulting firm, found that to minimize the impact of an artificial tree you would need to use it for 20 years or more. 

Environment 

Artificial trees are made with polyvinyl chloride plastic and metal. As they can’t be recycled, they eventually end up in the landfill, can take hundreds of years to break down and contribute to methane (landfill) gas production which is a greenhouse gas. 

It is estimated that most people use an artificial tree for six to 10 years. If you already have an artificial tree, the longer you use it the better. If you no longer require your artificial tree, consider selling or donating it to a friend, family member, community group or reuse/thrift store.

One of the biggest benefits of real Christmas trees is that they’re completely biodegradable and if disposed of properly does not produce greenhouse gases. Bring your real and undecorated trees to one of our drop off sites (see below).

Economy 

Buying a real Christmas tree from a business near you supports the local economy. 

In Newfoundland and Labrador, tree farms are run by local entrepreneurs and many real Christmas trees sold in the province are cut on provincial Crown Land which provides income to local families and small businesses right before the holiday season.  

Like artificial trees, it is important to consider how far both you and the tree travel before it arrives at your home. We all know that the further we drive to pick up a real tree the greater the emissions are going to be, and the same is true for real trees that are grown hundreds of kilometres, perhaps even a boat ride away from where they are being sold.

The more local your real Christmas tree is, the better.

Give Your Real Tree New Life 

Give your real tree new life. We mulch Christmas trees and use them for landscaping projects in City open spaces. Only natural, undecorated trees are acceptable – no artificial trees, decorations, tinsel or other manufactured objects are accepted and please do not bundle or tie the tree.

Quidi Vidi Lake Parking Lot  

Large gravel lot off The Boulevard 

Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023 – Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024 

(excluding Dec 31 and Jan 1)

Residential Drop Off (RDO) 

340 East White Hills Road 

Open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. except statutory holidays.

Learn more tips to reduce your holiday waste at CurbitStJohns.ca.