Christmas Holidays they are just around the corner. Many people have already decorated their homes. Others plan to do so soon. But if there is one thing on which both agree, it is that the vast majority Christmas tree as part of the decor. Although the tradition originated during the Middle Ages in Northern EuropeToday it is common in almost all countries that celebrate these holidays. But there are differences. It’s common in some places go to the nursery choose natural spruce every year. Meanwhile, in other countries, the same plastic tree is used much more often year after year. Now what is the best option for Environment?
On the boat we might soon think what’s best plastic christmas tree. After all, we’ve been using it for years and it doesn’t require cutting down a real plant. However, as explained in the article IFLScience on this subject, the nuances will make us change our minds.
And that’s what the Christmas tree actually suggests carbon footprint Much less plastic. In addition, it can even be good for the environment if forests are used responsibly.
Benefits of a real Christmas tree
To have a little on the Christmas tree 1.8 meters highmust pass in the kennel at least 10 years. During this time, it becomes a habitat for an endless number of wild animals, and also, like other trees, an excellent natural tool for absorb carbon from the atmosphere.
Well, that’s all plants capture carbon dioxide and include it in their structures: leaves, stems, etc. In general, they are needed for growth. This, when we talk about trees, is very useful, as they can capture a significant part of the carbon dioxide that would otherwise contribute. to the greenhouse effect and global warming. Therefore, children’s Christmas trees are very effective in this regard. But, of course, there comes a time when they are cut down. It’s a problem, yes, but in fact, according to the National Christmas Tree Association of America, every tree that is cut down is planted the next spring. one to three seedlingswith which the new process is started.
The bad thing about these trees is that they are only a year old. For this reason, after Christmas, they usually go three ways. well and dumpwell burning or his chipping. In a landfill, it will be left to slowly decompose in a process that release methane in atmosphere. This is another greenhouse gas and should therefore be avoided. If you burn it, it will release all the carbon that was previously captured from the atmosphere, so it will not be of much use. It is for this reason that the best option will always be to grind it into chips and sawdust, which are given different uses.
Reusable is not always better
plastic christmas tree can last for many years. However, this does not compensate for the entire previous process.
It is estimated that 80% Christmas trees which are sold all over the world are made in China. So if naturals can be imported from nearby nurseries, then they would need to be transported over such long distances that the carbon footprint would be huge. But it is not only emissions of polluting gases during transportation that need to be taken into account. Also in its manufacture, which is also usually carried out with PVCone of the most harmful plastics for the environment.
It can be used for years. However, he will spend more time in a landfill than in our house, since this material decomposes over 100 years. During this time, it begins to pollute the earth, from where it can pass into groundwater and generally infect living beings inhabiting nearby areas.
In terms of overall carbon footprint, not just transportation, one artificial Christmas tree is thought to produce about 40 kg greenhouse gas emissionswhich is more than twice the amount of natural gas left in the landfill, and 10 times more than the amount burned.
Does this mean we should run and throw away our plastic Christmas tree? Well, no, because then we would have accelerated the harmful process that we saw. In any case, if you’re thinking about throwing it away to buy a prettier or bigger one, maybe you should appreciate it, or keep it for a while longer, or give it to someone who can’t have their own tree. And, when buying, it may be time to make a choice in favor of natural. There are more and more nurseries dedicated to him, including in Spain.
Source: Hiper Textual
