A nice artificial Christmas tree. Photo via Flickr.
A recent poll of Americans found that most people use artificial christmas trees this holiday season. Here are 4 facts about these artificial trees that are becoming more common.
As you read this I hope that you are having or had a nice Christmas. It has become a tradition with our kids to bring the box with the tree in it up from storage in the beginning of December. Then we set up our tree and decorate it. Apparently, a lot of other Americans have a similar tradition. Whatever kind of tree you use for Christmas you may find these facts interesting.
More People Are Using Artificial Trees
People across the United States set up Christmas trees for the month of December. A recent poll by the American Christmas Tree Association showed that in 2016 81% of people set up artificial trees. This is an increase over 25 years ago from 46% of households using them to the 81% of today.
An artificial tree ready to be set up. Photo via Flickr.
Most Artificial Christmas Trees Are Made In China
It is true that most of the artificial trees people in the United States purchase are made in China.
First Modern Artificial Tree Came From The Toilet
The first artificial christmas tree, at least like we know it today, was made in the 1930 by a toilet bowl manufacturer. They simply painted the bristles green and arranged them like branches of a tree.
Photo via Flickr.
Are Real Trees Or Artificial Trees Better For The Environment?
This is a great question that unfortunately like many things does not have a simple, straightforward answer. There are some good posts that compare these, such as the Huffington Post, and Rodales Organic Life.
When making this comparison you need to look at where the tree comes from, how far you drive to get it, and (for an artificial one) how many years it will be used.
Different studies conclusions differ on the specifics, but in general the findings show that a real tree is better for the environment after one year.
However, over time if you reuse the artificial tree you will make up for the materials used to produce it and it will be better for the environment than a real one. The length of time it takes to reach that break even point is where there is discrepancy. Some studies think it could be 9 years, but others say more like 20 years.