To Christmas tree or not to Christmas tree? That is the question.

[Mitch]

What type of Christmas tree do you have? Natural or Plastic? Why?

I prefer Natural Christmas trees (or Holiday Tree :p). They are much more environmentally friendly that plastic ones, contradictory to what the majority of people believe.
The production of plastic trees, is much much more harmful to the environment than simply growing a tree naturally. Think about it. The toxic fumes in the production of plastic and the poor 3rd world slave laborers creating it. Versus, the natural tree, seedlings planted in the ground, watered, given energy from the sun to grow, chopped down, sold, decorated, decomposed. The entire process of a natural Christmas tree is much less harmful than simply the creation of an artificial tree.

But, of course, not buying either is the best for the environment. But if you had to choose between the two, which would you pick?

[Locke]

Sacrificial oxen are my preference.

[Gwendl]

We always had an artificial tree because natural trees have risks such as burning, etc. But we had one tree that we used over and over through the years, which I'm sure saved on the environment. I have nothing against natural trees, but when a theme park cuts down a 100 foot tree for their display, I have to wince. The tree has grown for maybe a hundred years and to see it cut down is kinda heart breaking in a way.

[Mitch]

I completely agree with you Gwendl, I don't mind it too much when trees a couple years old are chopped down at tree farm but when a theme park or New York chops down a tree 100s or 1000s of years old, it makes me quite angry.
The thing I have against artificial trees is that many people purchase the cheap, inexpensive, plastic trees that last 1, maybe 2 Christmas. If a person is to purchase an artificial tree they should spend about the same that they would for a natural tree for 5 years.

[Locke]

On a humoristic side note, our Christmas tree this year was aptly titled "The Communist Tree", as it had under it about 5 presents and adorned with a red star at its peak.

[Prometheus]

Fake. Cheap (I guess, I didn't buy it), easy to set up.

Oh, and I agree Borghunter. I cringe at the thought of a tree that old being cut down. A tree a few years, decades, or maybe up to a hundred years old (there are plenty of them) are fine I think. Trees that a THOUSANDS of years old should not be cut down! I can't really give a rational explanation of why, other than it takes a long time for it to grow back. I have a fondness for older things I suppose. Explain why I like history, classic movies and games, and so on.

[Ed Jones]

My views on the enviroment will no doubt not go down to well with the liberals among us. Sometimes i feel it's best but to keep schtum about the subject.

[eharvester]

We didn't have a tree lol

[PaitChow]

My family uses an artificial tree now, but I won't be carrying on the tradition of putting a tree in my living room when I move out.

It just don't make no sense.

[bigdoglj52]

I prefer artifical. Cleaner and easier to keep up with :). Can be used every year as well.