Why real Christmas trees could be the best choice for the planet 🌲
The holiday season is nearly there, and the dilemma of choosing between real Christmas trees and artificial ones may still stir a debate. While artificial trees seem like a rational investment, life cycle assessment (LCA) data shows that real trees actually leave a significantly smaller carbon footprint!
The big impact of real trees on our climate
Trees are natural “carbon sinks” — they absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air, convert it into sugars, and store it in their wood and roots. This process makes trees excellent carbon absorbers. Once the holiday season ends, if real trees are composted or mulched, the carbon is returned to the soil, further supporting environmental growth.
A real Christmas tree has a carbon footprint of approximately 3.1 kg of CO₂ per kilogram of tree based on LCA data from the University of Washington. In contrast, producing and transporting an artificial tree generates about 40 kg of CO₂ over its entire lifecycle. Although artificial trees last many years, their higher initial carbon footprint only becomes comparable to the impact of a real tree after 20 years of use.
| Tree type | Est. carbon footprint | key contributors |
| real tree | 3.1 kg CO₂ per kg of tree | Absorbs carbon as it grows, minimal impact when properly disposed of |
| artificial tree | 40 kg CO₂ (for 6 ft tree) | Energy-intensive production and transport; significant impact if used less than 10 years |
The best choice for sustainability
Choosing a real tree is not just about carbon absorption; it’s also about supporting local agriculture and promoting sustainability. While artificial trees may last longer, their environmental impact—especially during production and disposal—is far more significant. By choosing a real tree, you’re making a more sustainable and ecologically conscious choice this holiday season.
Sources:
- University of Washington: LCA study on the carbon footprint of real Christmas trees.
- Swedish Environmental Protection Agency: LCA data comparing real and artificial Christmas trees.
The post was inspired by a lively conversation around the dinner table with friends, and if you would like to, you can join this discussion as well. Feel free to reach out to or to comment ! 🌱
Merry Christmas and a warm, joyful festive season to you and your loved ones! 🎄🎉