How Green is Your Evergreen?
We've gone back and forth here at Green Daily between real Christmas trees, artificial luster and the simply strange. Nothing beats the fresh smell of pine and choosing a living tree is a sustainable and viable option for many families. However, just like buying fruit at the farmer's market, there are some questions that you can ask tree growers to make more informed choices.First, it's important to know if any pesticides have been used on the tree farm. Tree grower Michael Tabor of Pennsylvania grows his trees on a 60 acre plot without needless spraying for bugs -- or even weeds. Theses "eco-trees" are sold at a local farmer's market.
Secondly, you'll want to ask whether the growers use chemical fertilizers to promote growth. These chemicals can run off into ground water, polluting the local waterways.
Finally, ask about dye. Some trees are sprayed with a blue-green dye to make them more appealing to consumers and hide flaws. This technique adds waste to the ecosystem and does nothing for the air quality of your home.
Your tree is a beautiful addition to your home for a few weeks of the year. Why not pick a house guest that's a little greener?
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