Why prelit Christmas trees might not be worth the convenience
Getting an artificial prelit tree is not all rosy. Here are a few reasons why:
- The dust and other particulates that can accumulate in artificial trees could cause allergies, so allergy sufferers should be aware.
- Rather than bringing your artificial tree inside immediately, spray it with water and let it dry for at least 24 hours so you can avoid the allergens.
- A candle left unattended can start a fire or an electrical malfunction may cause it.
- Chemicals and PVC are the primary materials used to construct these trees. They can harm the environment and people.
- Their production contributes to the climate change problem because they aren’t recyclable or biodegradable.
- It may negatively impact the environment. In order to offset the environmental impact of an artificial tree, the American Christmas Tree Association recommends keeping the tree for nine years.
- Branches and leaves of artificial trees are made of metal and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or PE (polyethylene), both of which are petroleum-derived products. Neither of these materials can be recycled or biodegraded.
- Every year, it looks the same. The style, size, and appearance of an artificial tree will never change, so if you like some variety, you will never like it. PE Americas, on behalf of the ACTA, conducted a report in 2010 showing that, depending on the destination (landfill, compost, or incineration), keeping an artificial tree between three and four years is eco-friendly similar to purchasing a real tree every year.
According to ACTA research, no matter how Christmas trees were disposed of, they contributed less than 0.1% to the average person’s annual carbon footprint, both real and artificial.