Euroverify breaks down what we know about the carbon footprint of the centrepiece of Christmas decorations.
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00:00How sustainable is your Christmas tree?
00:08It's a big dilemma at Christmas.
00:10Is a real or artificial Christmas tree better for the environment?
00:14It seems there's not one clear answer.
00:17Let's start with the real option.
00:19Christmas trees are typically grown on a 9-year harvest cycle,
00:23meaning that for each tree felled, another is usually planted.
00:27Some Christmas tree plantations boost biodiversity
00:30and provide a refuge for declining species,
00:33although other human-introduced plantations can also displace natural habitats.
00:38In fact, much depends on how a real Christmas tree is disposed of after use.
00:44A 2-metre tall tree that is burnt after use
00:48emits just 3.5kg of carbon dioxide, according to the Carbon Trust.
00:53However, that jumps to 16kg of carbon dioxide if the tree ends up in a landfill after use.
01:00So, what about the artificial option?
01:03An artificial tree has a CO2 footprint of around 40kg, according to most estimates,
01:10depending on its size and the materials used.
01:13This means that the artificial option could be a better choice,
01:17but only if the tree is reused for at least 10 Christmases.
01:21But many experts also warn that the vast majority of artificial trees are shipped across the world,
01:26mostly from China, adding to their footprint.
01:29They are also notoriously difficult to recycle.
01:32In short, environmental experts recommend that if you opt for the natural option,
01:37make sure to buy a locally sourced tree and to compost or mulch it after use.
01:42Potted trees that are replanted are also a great option.
01:45If you go for the artificial option, invest in a high-quality tree
01:49and make sure to reuse it for at least a decade to minimise its carbon footprint.