On average, we Germans buy around 30 million real Christmas trees every year. Whether Nordmann fir, noble fir, or spruce, 90 percent of these trees come from domestic production. They are cultivated on large plantations, e.g., in North Rhine-Westphalia or Schleswig-Holstein. This requires around 50,000 hectares of land in this country. Around 2.4 million Christmas trees are imported annually, mainly from Denmark.

Environmental pollution is caused in particular by the use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides on the plantations and by transport to the end consumer. In addition to the impact on the climate, the pollution of the trees is also an issue. Only one percent of Christmas trees are organically grown. In most intensive cultures, pesticides and fertilizers are used regularly. Last year, BUND conducted random tests on Christmas trees and found that two-thirds of them contained pesticides. Even if our Christmas trees do not pose an immediate health risk, the use of pesticides still has a significant impact on biodiversity in the plantations. We have included the BUND report in the list of links.

If you want to minimize the environmental impact of real trees, you should buy organic trees that grow slowly and without fertilizers. Prefer trees that have been transported over short distances, both from the plantation to the retailer and from the retailer to your home. Also, consider whether a potted tree or a rented tree might be an option.

Artificial Christmas trees are now available on the market in a wide variety of designs and price ranges. Around 22 percent of Germans put an artificial Christmas tree in their living room. The trees mainly come from Asia, mostly from China, and are usually made of metal and plastic (PE, PVC, or PP). Environmental damage is already caused during production and transport.

In addition, artificial Christmas trees may also contain toxic substances. In 2019, the Austrian environmental protection organization Global 2000 conducted random tests on artificial Christmas trees from German and Austrian retailers. "Substances of very high concern" were found in half of the trees. These substances can escape from the material through evaporation or abrasion. Indoors, they bind to house dust and can thus be inhaled.

But artificial trees also have advantages. Those who use their Christmas tree for a long time are replacing a large number of natural trees and also saving on transport. According to a study, an artificial Christmas tree should last at least ten years to exceed the CO2 equivalent of a real tree. It is therefore worth buying a high-quality and slightly more expensive artificial tree.

If you want to minimize the environmental impact of artificial trees, you should make sure they are transported over short distances. There are also manufacturers in Europe. The tree should be used for as long as possible, more than 10 years. Make sure it is disposed of properly, as artificial trees are residual waste.

In addition to the classic tree shape, whether real or artificial, there are now many other ideas for Christmas trees for the living room. Wooden tree-like decorative objects are available in stores and can be used again and again. One version, for example, has drill holes into which fresh cuttings can be inserted. Other tree alternatives are made of cardboard or metal. Two-dimensional alternatives that can be hung on the wall are particularly space-saving.

If you like to be creative and are a little handy, you can also try your hand at making your own Christmas tree alternative. We have found countless ideas and variations online. How about one of the following creations, for example:

• made from driftwood or well-dried branches
• for the Rheinhessen region made from vineyard prunings
• made from wooden slats
• made from branches in a vase
• a repurposed large houseplant
• A beautiful wooden ladder
• Decorations hanging from the ceiling, e.g., baubles
• made from cardboard or old boxes

In conclusion, it is impossible to answer the question of whether Christmas trees are still appropriate in this day and age. Consumption in any form always has a negative effect on our ecological footprint. However, we want to hold on to the traditions that are dear to us and expensive, and Christmas with a fir tree is certainly one of them. Which option you choose this year is up to you.

However, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the environmental impact of Christmas trees is low compared to other consumer goods. It is not only our choice of Christmas tree that has an impact on the environmental and climate damage we cause around Christmas. In fact, this impact is rather low compared to the impact of our gifts and Christmas dinner. In our brochure "Sustainable through the Christmas season," you will find a variety of ideas and suggestions for making Christmas a little more environmentally friendly.