Discover the Best Places to Purchase a Green Artificial Christmas Tree
When it comes to artificial Christmas trees, green is the new black.
Artificial trees are more popular than ever and come in a range of colors — from deep reds and blues to bright yellows and pinks. But for those who want to go greener this holiday season, there are plenty of options for Christmas trees that don’t contribute to deforestation or use toxic chemicals.
“We’re seeing an increase in interest in green artificial Christmas trees,” said Holly Branson, who runs the website ArtificialTreeCenter.com. “People are realizing how bad real trees are for the environment.”
The most common type of artificial tree is made from PVC plastic and uses toxic chemicals like phthalate plasticizers that can leach into water sources, according to the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC).
Phthalates have been linked to health problems including reproductive issues and asthma, according to NRDC senior scientist, Dana Kolpin. And because PVC is made from petroleum products, it’s not biodegradable either.
Artificial Christmas trees are more environmentally friendly than real ones, but that doesn’t mean they’re perfect. Here’s what you should look for when choosing an artificial tree:
Leaves and needles made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This is the most common type of plastic resin used in fake Christmas trees. PVC is not biodegradable and can release toxic fumes when burned. The EPA has linked it to cancer, reproductive harm and endocrine disruption.
The label says “phthalates-free.” Phthalates are a family of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible. They’re also known as endocrine disruptors because they interfere with hormone function in humans and animals alike. The European Union banned phthalates in children’s toys in 2007, but they remain legal in the US.
No PVC or phthalates? Look for trees labeled “100% PE” or “100% PETE.” These plastics are derived from plant materials and are considered safer than PVC or phthalates — although they still aren’t great for the environment.
The Christmas season is well underway, and you might be looking for a new artificial Christmas tree. But where to find the best green artificial Christmas trees?
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite options from Amazon, Walmart and Target. Drink up!
The Best Green Artificial Christmas Tree: Pre-Lit Artificial Tree by Kurt Adler
This Kurt Adler pre-lit artificial tree is made with PVC materials, which are 100 percent recyclable. It comes in sizes from 6 feet to 10 feet tall — but if you don’t want to go that big, there are smaller versions available too! This tree comes with 350 lights that look like twinkle lights, which means it gives off a beautiful glow when lit up at night.
The Runner-Up: Pre-Lit Artificial Tree by National Tree Company
This National Tree Company pre-lit artificial tree has 500 lights and comes in heights of 6 feet or 8 feet tall. It has an exclusive system of branches that are designed to look more realistic than other trees on the market. It also has tips that come off easily so you can put them back on quickly after taking down your tree.