How long you use your Christmas tree determines what you should buy
When deciding between a real or artificial Christmas tree, how long you keep it makes all the difference, according to Virginia Tech sustainability expert Jennifer Russell.
Research shows that an artificial tree must be reused for seven to ten years to have a lower overall environmental impact than buying a new real tree each holiday season.
“Every product has a life cycle and everything around us has to come from somewhere, and it has to go somewhere when we’re done with it,” says Russell. “We use life cycle analysis to understand these impacts.”
Real trees are grown on farms, using land, fertilizer, and fuel for years before harvest.
“While they require resources to grow,” says Russell, “they also absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, offering both positive and negative environmental effects.”
Artificial trees are made from plastics and metals that require oil and other raw materials, creating higher production impacts and longer transport distances. However, she says their reuse over many years potentially offsets these impacts over time.
Disposal matters, too. Russell shares that real trees can be composted or mulched, returning nutrients to the soil. Artificial trees, when discarded, typically end up in landfills.
“If you keep your artificial tree for at least seven to ten years, it can be the more sustainable option,” Russell says. “But if you tend to replace it sooner, choosing a natural tree each year is likely the better environmental choice.”
Russell’s research underscores that sustainability isn’t one-size-fits-all.
“It depends on personal habits, community recycling options, and the lifespan of the products chosen.”
About the expert
Jennifer Russell is an associate professor in Virginia Tech’s Department of Sustainable Biomaterials. Her research focuses on life cycle assessment, circular economy systems, and the sustainability of materials and manufacturing.
Interview
To schedule an interview, contact Margaret Ashburn in the media relations office at mkashburn@vt.edu or 540-529-0814
