Waterloo professor Kelsey Leonard shares insights on the environmental impact of Christmas trees
When choosing a Christmas tree, the decision between real and artificial trees should go beyond personal preference and tradition. Dr. Kelsey Leonard, an assistant professor and Director of the Christmas Tree Lab, discusses the importance of considering the environmental impact when deciding between real and fake Christmas trees.
Which Christmas tree (real or fake) is better for the environment?
Real Christmas trees matter. They matter to local farmers, and they matter to families and the traditions they build every year during the holiday season. But more than that, they also matter to our planet and how we think about addressing biodiversity loss and climate change. A wide variety of Christmas trees are grown across Ontario, from Balsam and Fraser firs to Scotch Pines. Each variety has its own unique history and contribution to biodiversity in Ontario.
What are some of the factors that can make artificial Christmas trees less eco-friendly?
Research has shown that artificial trees have a carbon footprint three times greater than real trees. There are some ways in which an artificial tree could have a lower carbon footprint, but you need to reuse it for more than 20 years to have a lower impact. It's also important to consider how far you have to travel to purchase a real tree. In a province like Ontario, where there are 418 Christmas tree farms, a way to contribute to local economies and have the least carbon footprint is to "Keep it real and buy local".
How is selecting a real Christmas tree making a difference for Canada/Canadian farmers?
Firstly, selecting a real Christmas tree means bringing your family out in nature to build memories and connect. You can also build community and connections with local farmers and support local businesses. According to Statistics Canada, Canadian Christmas tree farms sell approximately 3-6 million trees annually. It takes 7 to 10 years for a Christmas tree to be ready to harvest. Over those many years, farmers invest their time, love, care, nourishment, and stewardship in every tree. This industry is making a difference for Ontario and Canada and ensuring the future of holiday cheer for generations.
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