Comments on: Dreaming of a Green Christmas Pt. 1: Real Tree vs. Fake

By: Don’t Fake It « bartblog.

Don’t Fake It « bartblog. — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 18:58:20 +0000

[...] You can listen for yourself to the interview full of some tips and tricks for loving Earth and your christmas tree on RGT 100: That Creep Can Ho Ho Ho Man (listen to the whole show on SDPB). You can also learn a bunch about the great real vs. fake christmas tree debate by clicking on the photo above or visiting Green Your Decor. [...]

By: kathy@metal tree grates

kathy@metal tree grates — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 03:24:38 +0000

Your idea is grate if you toss out a metal tree very year. If you use the same tree over and over again for decades it might be better to get the artificial tree. I know metal ornaments can last for generations. I have also seen some people use artificial trees and toss at the end of the season. Personally I hate fake trees. Real trees are replanted and if recycled are very environmentally friendly. Some real trees are 10 years old, so they have been cleaning air for 10 years. The artificial tree actually causes pollution especially if manufactured in China. I wish people would stop buying Chinese made products, they are generally junk and last no more than a few months. Chinese products are also dangerous. I have been injured by Chinese products on several occassions and now look carefully as to where the product is coming from before buying. So I would agree with you to refrain from buying Chinese artificial trees, since they will just create a lot of garbage. Let the Chinese start making decent products first before buying another Chinese tree. If the tree is made in the US then I would say by all means by a US made tree, you know the quality is grate regardless of whether it shiny metal one or a green looking plastic tree.

By: Jen @ Christmas Rope Lights Online.com

Jen @ Christmas Rope Lights Online.com — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:40:50 +0000

This is a great post! First the interesting article and then followed by all these interesting and helpful comments!!

I’ve learnt lots of great ideas here and one I will definitely be implementing this year is recycling the tree as a bird feeding area in the back yard – what an awesome idea!

Thanks everyone for all the great suggestions.

By: dianne

dianne — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 23:59:10 +0000

i would like to know if there are any christmas tree farms on maui. please respond asap. thank you dianne

By: ecoDomestica reDesign

ecoDomestica reDesign — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 02:44:02 +0000

[...] Christmas trees… The long-running real-vs-artificial debate is still going, but you’ll notice there is now consensus on the topic. Current green wisdom holds that [...]

By: Decor: Rosemary Tree

Decor: Rosemary Tree — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:01:39 +0000

[...] display of rosemary trees outside of Whole Foods. Even better? It was $12.99! Reading this article from Green Your Decor made me feel even better about choosing a reusable [...]

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 08:33:26 +0000

We're convinced! We're getting a real tree tomorrow. Thanks for the article! Stephanies last blog post..Kitschy Kool: Volume 1: Mad Libs

By: jennae

jennae — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 17:21:50 +0000

@Cheryl That is an awesome idea!

@Lisa That is a great tip. Pine trees don’t do well in every climate, so you might be even better off going to your local nursery to inquire about what species are native to your area before you buy.

@Michele McHenry A live tree can be a fire hazard, so that is something to consider. However, the fires are often related to hot lights on the tree and overloaded sockets. If anyone is concerned about fire, you can take the extra precaution of using LED lights, which don’t get hot and use a lot less electricity than traditional lights.

@MyBrownBaby We had a woodsy back yard in Georgia and had planned to do the same, but the back yard in Tennessee is nothing but grass and backs up to a road. So it would be pretty lonely out there We are really considering going treeless this year, though, because we have limited space in the living room.

@sara & joe Planting New Year’s resolutions with the tree is an awesome idea! If we do decide to get a tree this year, that is a tradition we will really have to consider.

@Kristina I’m glad it was helpful!

By: Kristina Brooke

Kristina Brooke — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 15:51:01 +0000

We were going to get a fake tree, but after reading this, I think a Real Tree would be the best solution. This was a great article.

By: sara & joe

sara & joe — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 05:29:34 +0000

We recommend buying potted trees in the 4 – 8 foot range, decorating them indoors near a window, and then planting them for New Years with resolutions (written on recycled paper) planted underneath. Have fun on New Years Eve (or New Years Day) and have a little ceremony with friends.

To learn more about OUR Live Native Christmas Tree program on Maui, click here: plantawish.blogspot.com

By: MyBrownBaby

MyBrownBaby — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 02:12:31 +0000

I grew up with fake trees, and always admired the families who had the fresh, beautiful live tree with that incredible scent. To this day, I will only stock live trees in our home... when we're done, we put it in our very woodsy backyard, and the most adorable little chipmunks dart in and around it... too cute. MyBrownBabys last blog post..Starched Pillowcases and Chocolate Bon Bons

By: Gidget

Gidget — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:59:52 +0000

Yay, I’m so happy to hear your verdict- we much prefer real and now I can feel good about it, too.

Gidgets last blog post..Gidget Writes a Novel

By: Michele McHenry

Michele McHenry — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:52:05 +0000

I have done both for many years. It got too expensive when we were young, broke and had 3 kids, so we bought a fake tree after the holidays for 75% off. That tree lasted until we gave it too a friend, and bought a thin tall tree that fit perfectly into a corner and have had this one for 10 years. We by the small mini pines in pots and decorate outside. My experience with real trees in the house has been horrible. One, I got in Alaska was very small, I let thaw for 48 hours, then when I touched it to put on the lights..every single needle feel to the floor…the tiny tree cost me $75 dollars in 1979! Then a friend of mine lost her house to a tree fire. That was devastating. We make garland, and hang them outside, and also make wreaths with pine cones, and nuts that last forever. My kids are fighting over who gets this tree since the diameter is so small..it fits in a tiny space, though it is over 6 ft tall. We also saved another fake one from the side of the road and we use
outside with lots of decorations. We also decorate the wire tomato grates with cedar and pine branches, pine cones and waterproof red ribbons and lights for the yard too as well as the arbor. I guess I am stuck on the safety of not having a tree or other decorations that could be a fire hazard after our friends lost everything and almost their lives. Just be very safe…what ever you do. There is always some one to take your fake ones, that cannot afford either real or fake, including goodwill. Also, we have bread baking, apple cider on the stove, and scented pinecones in bowls, we don’t lake for Christmas time smells.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:43:02 +0000

I love this post- fantastic ideas for a holiday that produces SO much waste! One thing to consider: I was also looking into buying a small plant/tree to decorate and then replant outside: When I read the “fine” print on growing needs I discovered that the tree type only does well in warmer climates (not our colder Canadian winters). It’s important to make sure the tree you are purchasing is able to survive in your local climate (as they ship them from all over).
Happy Yule!
Lisa

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:38:46 +0000

I agree w/ Carrie! My kids, now grandson and I always coat pinecones with peanut butter, then roll them in birdseed, plus other fresh bird treats such as sliced apple and oranges (for the cardinals). So the tree gets ‘redecorated’ with beautiful birds and squirrels!