Study indicates that artificial Christmas trees are better for the environment than farm-grown Christmas trees
Owning an artificial Christmas tree is healthier for the environment over a 10 year period, according to a study sponsored by the American Christmas Tree Association (ACTA).
Los Angeles, CA, November 17, 2008...Owning an artificial Christmas tree is healthier for the environment over a 10 year period, according to a study sponsored by the American Christmas Tree Association (ACTA).
The study found that a consumer using an average artificial Christmas tree has a significantly smaller carbon footprint than a consumer using average farm-grown Christmas trees. The in-depth analysis studied both real and artificial Christmas trees from "cradle to grave" over a 10-year use period. The study was based on the North American consumer and compared the most commonly sold 6' artificial Christmas tree, manufactured in China, to 6' real Christmas trees grown locally in the United States.
"Consumers who care about the environment have an easy decision this holiday season," said Jami Warner, Executive Director of the American Christmas Tree Association. "Choosing to invest in an artificial Christmas tree not only reduces global warming and other environmental impacts, it also is a wise financial investment."
The study, conducted by leading sustainability firm PE Americas, found that the most significant contribution to global warming came from transportation of real Christmas trees from tree farms and lots to consumer homes. "I was really surprised to learn that driving out to a tree farm and cutting down a tree is the worst environmental choice you can make when you buy a Christmas tree," said Warner, "it's actually substantially better for the environment to buy a tree from a local retailer rather than to drive out to a farm."
The study found that the best way to reduce the carbon footprint is to choose an artificial Christmas tree and to use it for ten or more years. "If you use an artificial tree for just one year and then throw it away, there's no benefit," said Warner, "of course, in today's economy, it's much more likely that consumers will invest in something that will last."
"Our association was formed to provide the most factual information possible for consumers," said Warner, "this life-cycle study illustrating the environmental benefits of artificial Christmas trees is an important service to discerning consumers."
About the American Christmas Tree Association
The American Christmas Tree Association is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide the public with the most current and factual data to help consumers make well-educated decisions about Christmas trees. For more information, please visit www.christmastreeassociation.org
About PE Americas
A collaboration of two global leaders in sustainability, Five Winds International and PE International, Boston-based PE Americas provides unrivaled expertise helping global businesses meet the growing demand for excellence in the environmental performance of materials, products, and processes. To learn more, please visit www.christmastreeassociation.org
