Do you have a real Christmas tree or fake one? Here goes the guilt again. There is no clear answer for one or the other. I really struggle with my choices sometimes because there is not a black and white answer. I like black and white answers, I thrive on right/wrong; good/bad; milk/juice. I do enjoy a philosophical debate with no clear answer; just valid reasonings put into the universe. When it comes down to making a choice on how to not destroy the Earth, choosing from the lesser of two evils just disheartens me. So here are my arguments:
Real: Pro: renewable resource and bio-degradable. Con: It takes a long time to grow a tree. It's not annually renewing like pumpkins and crops. Last time I checked we were in desperate need of trees, cutting them down doesn't seem like the best idea. From the non-environmental prospective, it's really messy and expensive. However there is a better chance that a real tree is from a one-man farm rather than a massive plastic-producing mega-company. Please don't comment about how it makes your house smell good. I have never experienced that. You all must have noses like dogs. If that is the case, I am sure there is a nice pine scented soy candle out there to burn.
Fake: Pro: Reuse it over and over. My parents have had 2 Christmas trees in the 35 years they have been married (instead of killing 35 10 year old trees). Con: Another example of America's love affair with oil and the fact that the first tree my parents had is still sitting in the landfill 15 years after they got rid of it and will continue to sit there for another 100 years. From the non-environmental perspective, it's much cheaper and I can put it up the day after Christmas and it's still fresh when I take it down New Year's Day.
I will be honest, I have never had a real tree. I may like trees, but trees don't like me. So I guess this is just a philosophical debate that needs no clear answer. I just need a new Christmas tree and have for about the last 2-3 Christmases, but my plastic guilt paralyzes me. So I start debating the whole issue and that's how you wind up reading this.
3 comments to Real or Fake?:
you could be like me and not put up a tree!!! it is awesome not putting up a tree you do not fight with your husband about lights and you do not go to walmart and spend 250 on crap that either is broken or does not work or you just lost it..... so be a bah humbug like me and do not even decorate.....well i may put a wreath on my door.... a real one i get one as a gift every year.
I have a great idea for you. You can go to a garage sale/thrift shop and adopt a plastic tree that someone else wants to put into the landfill. You can extend that tree's life. I think real trees are a huge waste of money and land. Maybe I can loan you mine. I'm sure Paulie will try to eat it!
Tara
This is a toughie. I've been a real tree girl for the past 6 years (well, except for the last two when I've been like Bern and put up no tree). Real trees keep the farmers at work, but I suppose the fake trees keep the folks at the plastic factory at work. Real trees are a MESS with pine needles everywhere. For the first time, I've been contemplating investing in a good fake. They do last forever... tough call.
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