Green Christmas Tree - Good for the Planet? Bad for the Planet?

Ah, the enchantment of a traditional white Christmas ... but in Los Angeles the closest we can hope to come is the tradition of a fragrant fresh cut Christmas tree.

But wait. What about our green goals to protect the planet, to be environmentally responsible, to plant trees, to have a holly, jolly Christmas that makes "green" sense?

According to Trystan L. Bass, in a article that appeared on Yahoo!Green,

"If you want a tree for the holiday, the experts at Grist and TreeHugger say it's actually better to buy a cut real Christmas tree than an artificial tree.

Why? In a word, plastics. Fake trees are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Producing this type of plastic creates a lot of pollution, and PVC is difficult to recycle.

Plus, lead has been found in PVC. According to a report (PDF) in the Journal of Environmental Health, lead levels are higher in older artificial trees. You've probably heard about lead in children's toys, so just imagine the kiddos hanging around lead-tainted branches of your fake Christmas tree. Not a merry scene.

Farmed Christmas trees are ultimately a renewable resource. Growing trees absorb carbon dioxide, and after the holidays, the trees can be recycled into mulch. Check Earth 911 to see where to take your dead tree after the 25th."

In Los Angeles, the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation provides recycle tips and information on drop off centers where you can bring your tree to meet it's mulcher. Drop off sites are open January 5th and 6th from 9 am- 4pm.Get there early for giveways including free CFL lights while supplies last!

"What about a live tree? This is often promoted as the ultimate eco-friendly holiday option. Well, it's not that simple. First, you have to live in the right climate."

Not only is it important to re-plant a potted live tree as soon as possible after the holiday, if you're planning to cut your own live tree, you'll have to drive to the farm or forest. And in Los Angeles, driving to the outer limits of the county or beyond to find a tree farm can contribute to pollution.

So, what is it? Good? Bad? BREATHE LA suggests you take a deep breath, consider the best options for your holiday celebration style and choose the best green tree option for you! Happy Holidays!