CHEMICAL CONCERNS
LONGEVITY
DISPOSAL
FUEL USE
W H IC H IS G R E E N E R ?
TAKE YOUR BOUGH
There’s no definitive answer to the real tree versus
artificial tree question, but these points may help you
choose w hich is best fo r you. B ottom line: If you ow n an
artificial tree, keep it and use it, o r give it away (don’t
th ro w it away). And if you live in a w arm climate, consider
a potted live tree.
OTHER
CONSIDERATIONS
R E A L T R E E
A R T IF IC IA L T R E E
Possibility of bringing pesticides
indoors if not grown organically
Typically made of polyvinyl chloride
(PVC); possible threat of lead from
dropped needles
A few weeks with proper care
Seemingly endless life expectancy
Relatively easy to compost or turn
into mulch
Will likely never decompose
Yearly energy consumption
involved in transporting trees and
driving to get tree
Energy use involved in manufacturing
and delivery
Can activate allergy problems
Fire retardation is a plus
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS DECEMBER
2009
10 3
B u r n s
E v e n l y ,
L e s s
W a s t e
fe b M z e
ELIMINATES
□ DOflS
PRESHENS
Febreze burns
O VER 9 0 % of the wax
so you get M ORE of
what you paid for!
