Dreaming of a Green Christmas

Wondering which Christmas tree (or Hanukkah bush) is best for the environment? Here's the lowdown.

By Jodi Helmer

The Winner: Live Tree

A live tree comes potted with its roots intact. It's the best choice if you keep it alive and can replant it.

Upside: Live trees emit oxygen, which helps reduce the greenhouse effect.

Downside: It's not easy to keep them alive—they need a lot of water and care.

Runner-Up: Cut Tree

For every Christmas tree that's harvested, up to three seedlings are planted in its place.

Upside: Many communities have recycling programs that turn threes into mulch. Or you can take your tree to the Boy Scouts, and for a nominal fee they'll drop it right into the woodchipper.

Downside: Unless they're organic, Christmas tree farms use pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.

Third Place: Artificial Tree

Manufacturing artificial trees is usually harmful to the environment, so look for a secondhand tree to reduce the impact.

Upside: The same tree can be reused every year.

Downside: Artificial trees are not biodegradable and can't be recycled, so they end up in landfill. Most are transported from overseas, which contributes to pollution.