Your Christmas Tree and Outdoor Holiday Decorations

The Christmas Tree Debate

Each year so many of us go back and forth between buying a real or fake fir. Well, from an eco-friendly point of view, a real tree will always win. Why? It's just healthier. Sure, Christmas tree farms might be in the business of growing trees just to cut them down and sell them, but during their time on the farm (about 6-10 years) the trees offset greenhouse gas emissions and produce oxygen. When they're cut down, carbon is released back into the air, but on tree farms new ones are planted in their place to continue the cycle.

According to Rick Dungey, PR Manager for the National Christmas Tree Association, there were 45 million new spruces planted in 2008. "That's to make up for the 31 million that were harvested and sold last year," he says. "Without Christmas tree farms these additional trees simply would not exist."

You can even find a tree on an organic tree farm so you don't have to worry about pesticides being used. Check out Green Promise to find one in your area. To be even more careful, choose a "baller tree." It still has its roots intact and is wrapped in burlap so it can be replanted after the holidays.

Another great reason to stick to the real thing? Real trees can be recycled. Often they're turned into mulch for local neighborhood parks and projects. Fake ones, on the other hand, are made of plastic containing PVC, a dangerous petroleum by-product. So while it may seem great that you'll have your fake tree for years to come, at some point it'll just be clogging up a landfill emitting harmful carcinogens.

Low-Impact Lighting

Now that you've chosen your (real) tree, it's time to think about the lights. The addition of holiday lights strung both inside and outside from November through January, adds an enormous drain on energy (not to mention your wallet – an average household could see their energy bill increase by $100 or more!).

A better solution? Choose LED lights. They use only about ten percent of the power required for traditional lights and they're longer lasting too. An average bulb will last about ten years, nearly twenty times longer than traditional bulbs. Plus, they emit less heat, lowering your risk of fire and are encased in sturdy plastic that won't break easily. Ready to make the switch? Try GE's indoor/outdoor line. We like the small, simple 8 MM white lights for a clean and modern look, but are drawn to the larger sized multi-colored variety for their retro appeal.

Better yet, why not try solar-powered holiday lights for your outdoor decorating? They soak up the sun's energy during the day and will automatically illuminate at night. The best part: no batteries and nothing to plug in! Try a basic strand such as Get Organized's 26 foot set of lights or dress up a fresh wreath on your door with their 16 foot light set.