If you buy an artificial tree, it can take up to 20 years for the environmental costs of the plastic, shipping and subsequent disposal to be offset compared to a real tree.
For real trees, be sure to source them locally. Many Christmas tree farms also host local bird populations! If cutting a wild tree instead of going to a farm, you will need a permit to do so ((http://ow.ly/5NnZ50xnl1s). Also remember to chip or compost the tree after you take it down, instead of putting it in the garbage. If you want an artificial tree, buy as high quality as possible to ensure you can use it for at least a couple of decades to offset the environmental cost. Consider buying secondhand if you can.
Decorating with natural and/or reusable items also helps lower your holiday environmental impact!
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