Real Christmas Trees ... The Environmental Choice
During the 2005 holiday season, 32.8 million real Christmas trees were
purchased for display in homes nationwide. These consumers made the choice
of a real tree for a variety of reasons - the fresh scent, the beauty of
the evergreen, the traditions of the holidays - but what they may not have
known is that a real tree is also a wise environmental choice.
Here are some facts to consider:
- Around 98% of real Christmas trees are grown on farms throughout all
50 states and Canada. These trees are planted to be harvested, just as
corn is cultivated for harvest.
- The Christmas tree industry in the United States employs more than
100,000 Americans (part- and full-time). Meanwhile, 85% of fake trees
are made by factory workers in China.
- Every acre of Christmas trees grown produces the daily oxygen requirement
for 18 people. With approximately 500,000 million acres of trees, 9 million
people a day are supplied with oxygen thanks to these trees.
- Real Christmas trees support life by absorbing carbon dioxide and other
greenhouse gases; they also stabilize soil, protect water supplies, and
provide a refuge for wildlife.
- For each real Christmas tree harvested, up to three new seedlings are
planted in its place. In 2006, more than 42 million new seedlings will
be planted by Christmas tree farmers all over the United States.
And after the holidays, a real Christmas tree is the only choice that is
completely recyclable. Artificial trees typically end up in landfills, where
they will remain for centuries after disposal.
- In a national survey, 69% of consumers who used a real tree said they
recycled theirs in a community program.
- Real Christmas trees are recycled for five main types of large-scale
uses for post-harvest trees. These are:
- Chipping (Chippings are used for various things
from mulch to hiking trails.)
- Beachfront erosion prevention
- Lake and river shoreline stabilization
- Fish habitat
- River delta sedimentation management
Learn more about Christmas tree recycling at
www.realchristmastrees.org/recycle.html!
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