Artificial vs Organic: Time to Root for the Right Christmas Tree

It is the season of Christmas trees, decorations, lights and gifts, bringing millions of people from around the world together in a spirit of joy and giving. However, amidst the merriment, a pressing question lingers: Can festive cheer and sustainability co-exist? At the root of the dilemma lies the humble Christmas tree, a symbol of the holiday season that can have a lasting environmental impact. So, in the true Christian tradition of giving, it’s time to pick the right tree from the plethora of choices: artificial, natural, hybrid…

Artificial trees may seem like a natural choice for many because of their long lifespan, but they may still have a substantial environmental impact. On the other hand, organic trees offer a greener alternative but come with their own challenges. So, let’s get to the root of the tree debate.

What to Buy and What Not to Buy: It’s the Question

A large number of even environmentally conscious people prefer artificial trees believing they are kosher as they can be reused year after year, over many seasons. Sahil, a resident of Delhi, has been using the same artificial Christmas tree for six years and it still looks like new. “I intend to keep it for as long as possible,” he says. But is this indeed a sustainable choice? Artificial trees are typically made from PVC or its variants, all non-biodegradable materials that can take hundreds of years to decompose and release their load of noxious gases as they do so from your neighbourhood landfill.

Many artificial trees are made from PVC wires, designed to mimic pine needles. Other materials, like polyethylene (PE), or a combination of PVC and PE, are also commonly used—each a significant polluter. It’s a message that is unfortunately often lost, especially in the rush of revelry. At popular stores like Kriti Creations in Delhi-NCR, for example, appearance often takes priority. One worker proudly shares, “Instead of regular pine needles, we built this tree around artificial pine cones for a unique look,” pointing to a visibly delighted customer.

It is not clear whether he or any of the shoppers are aware of the environmental cost of such trees. What is certain is that when they end up in a dump, they will poison the air. For the record, a five-foot artificial tree complete with all the trimmings can cost anywhere between Rs 7,000 and Rs10,000.

Sustainable Alternatives

For those seeking eco-friendly options, custom trees made from organic materials are a plum choice. Santa Stores, an upscale Christmas outlet, recently created a tree for a leading hotel brand using 1,000 potted plants and a metal/wood structure. Founder Sophia Caroline points to a growing trend among buyers to choose eco-friendly products. “People are more conscious about the environment and prefer using live plants,” she explains. “The end product not only looks more lifelike but also has a lower carbon footprint than a standard PE, PVC, or hybrid tree.” However, these trees can cost a fortune—anything from Rs 50,000 to Rs 3 lakhs, which is beyond the budget of most shoppers.

But don’t worry, green Christmas trees need not break the bank. Exotic Green, a nursery in New Delhi’s posh Greater Kailash, offers a seven-foot juniper tree for just Rs 3,000, and a four-foot Araucaria for as little as Rs 1,250—much cheaper than most artificial trees. Smaller Araucarias are available for around Rs 450. “Juniper trees have a shorter lifespan and are likely to last until April or May. But Araucarias can last two to three years if well taken care of,” says Sameer from Exotic Green. He suggests keeping the Araucaria in the shade and exposing it to the sun just once a week for optimal care.

The Ecological Impact

When it comes to the ecological impact of Christmas trees, the numbers are startling. Says Marvin Lee, an expert in sustainable living, “the average carbon footprint of an organic tree is around 3.5 kg of CO2, which can rise to 16 kg if the tree decomposes in a landfill. In contrast, a two-meter-tall artificial tree has a carbon cost of 40 kg when eventually discarded.” This means that an artificial tree would need to be reused for at least 12 years to match the eco-friendliness of a real tree. However, carbon footprints vary depending on the type of tree. Says Manik Dhingra, CEO of Shoonya Environmental Solutions, “The net carbon footprint from manufacturing or harvesting to packaging, transportation, usage and disposal should be factored in. Only then can one make a fair assessment of the actual carbon footprint of different types of trees."

Responsible Disposal and Creative Reuse

So, what can be done with Christmas trees once they have served their purpose. Experts advise against sending them to landfills where they can become a fire hazard or release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

Instead, organic trees can be shredded and composted to avoid methane emissions, while artificial trees can be recycled or repurposed as an energy source. Disposing of organic trees responsibly can significantly reduce their carbon footprint. For example, chipping and spreading tree parts in a garden can cut carbon emissions by 80 per cent, while burning the tree results in zero net CO2 increase.

Says Suneel Pandey, Director at TERI, “Artificial trees are rarely reused for 7-10 years and if discarded in landfills they are a serious fire hazard. Recycling or repurposing them as an energy source is the way to go. Organic trees can release methane in anaerobic conditions. Proper recycling and composting is essential to minimise their environmental impact.”

So, on the eve of this Christmas, let’s consider the environmental impact of our celebrations. By choosing sustainable tree options and adopting eco-friendly practices we can make a meaningful difference. The true spirit of Christmas lies in giving, sharing and caring for our planet. So, let’s dedicate ourselves to making this Christmas a truly merry festival, for us and the world around us. As the holiday season comes to a close, it's time to wrap up the waste and give the Earth a gift—responsible disposal and recycling.