EVIROMENTAL FACTSHEET FOR GO GREEN -GET REAL!

in the process of photosynthesis, christmas trees take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and release oxygen and water vapor into the air.  

sunlight + carbon dioxide+ water from the soil = carbohydrates (the building blocks for the tree) + oxygen + water vapor

the process of photosynthesis occurs in the needles of christmas trees.  carbon dixoide is taken in through tiny holes in the surface of the needles, water vapor and oxygen are released through those same holes.  for every molecule of carbon removed, a molecule of oxygen is released. 

one acre of christmas trees stores approximately 8000 pounds of carbon.  this carbon is stored in throughout the tree—the needles, the branches, the trunk, and the roots. 

unlike deciduous trees, christmas trees do not loose their needles in the winter.  if the tree is not frozen, photosynthesis can occur.  also, the rate of photosynthesis is greater in young trees.  christmas trees are harvested before this rate begins to slow. 

they are renewable and sustainable.  the national christmas tree association estimates that more than 460 million trees are grown in the us.  last year growers planted about 43 million trees.  for every tree cut, we will plant 2-3 new seedlings the following spring.  the more we sell, the more we will plant.  

they provide excellent habitat for birds and other small animals.  their branches keep the ground cooler in summer and warmer in winter—sheltering many animals.
christmas trees help prevent water and soil erosion. 

4. After christmas, they can be chipped. 

This mulch is used by tree farmers to protect the tender roots of small trees.  gardeners use it for their planting beds and garden paths.  this mulch cools the soil, helps retain moisture, and prevents weed growth.  also, clean urban wood waste is a raw material for district energy systems.   they use this biomass to produce steam, hot or chilled water—reducing their dependence on fossil fuels.

6. Christmas trees are produced on local farms, providing jobs and stimulating the local economy.

Many families have made buying a real tree, a family tradition.  each year they visit the same location to make this holiday purchase. 

7. Christmas tree growers plant trees to sell. 

I if the public buys real trees, they will plant more the following spring.  more trees planted means, more carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere and more oxygen is released.  real christmas trees are renewable, sustainable, recyclable, and biodegradable.   they are the better environmental choice.  so go green—get real!