The big debate: Real or Fake Christmas trees?

It sounds simple enough doesn’t it? Let’s revisit this choice after going over a little research.

Most fake trees (85%) come from China.
Most fake trees are made of metals and plastic (no surprise there).
The plastic material, is typically PVC (We encourage you to do a brief Google search on the health affects of poly vinyl chloride). It also main contain lead.
In fact, the potential for lead poisoning is great enough that fake trees made in China are required by California Prop 65 to have a warning label. Some trees also come with gloves for you to use when assembling the tree to limit exposure.
Interesting trivia and humorous visual image: The first fake trees were made by a company that primarily made toilet bowl brushes (Addis Brush Co.).
Fake trees are not fireproof. The main cause of holiday fires are overloaded electrical outlets and faulty wires (fake trees often nowadays come “pre-lit”), but to our minds the chances of toxic smoke inhalation from a burning fake tree is the most worrisome part.

Richard Maas, the Director of Environmental Studies at UNC-Asheville shares these tips for people who have fake trees:
Keep children away from the tree. Do not allow them to touch the tree.
If you touch the tree, wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face or handling food.
Do not vacuum dust under the tree, especially with a vacuum that does not have a HEPA filter. Vacuuming could spread lead dust through the air in tiny particles, creating an inhalation danger.

Now those still skeptical among you might point out (correctly) that some Christmas tree growers use chemicals to control pests during the latter lifespan of a real tree. A program called Integrated Pest Management (IPM Farms) to greatly reduce the frequency and amount of pesticides used on farms by utilizing a greater awareness of what bugs are where and when they begin their life cycles. I am not going to mention which one, but one very healthy fruit gets sprayed for bugs probably twice (or more) as often as real trees and we eat it!

It is our hope that whichever tree you choose that you are well-informed with your choice! Knowledge is indeed power!