Going green during the Christmas

Christmas is just around the corner. In Korea, many streets are decorated with red and green ornaments and Christmas trees are set in major places.

When I lived in the States, our friends and neighbors went to the Christmas tree farms to pick up the freshly cut pine trees. When the Christmas season was over, the trees were put out for the disposal.

I always thought buying an artificial Christmas tree would be eco-friendly act. Artificial trees can be reusable many years and can be packed up after the season, and the price is quite reasonable than the real trees. But my assumption appears to be wrong.

An environmental consulting firm in Montreal conducted a research. The result said that you need to use the artificial tree for, at least, 20years to be eco-effective than the real tree. The measurement comes from considering human health and green house gas emission. Most artificial trees also contain PVC(Polyvinyl chloride) which emits carcinogens while making and disposal.

In general, the research tells that using a real Christmas tree every year has little effect an environment compares to an artificial tree. 

Well, we have an artificial Christmas tree at home here in Seoul which means at least 20 years we have to use it to lighten our Christmas. :)