Christmas tree

Cozycabinmom's Christmas tree.

Sure, your Christmas tree is green. But is it also environmentally green? Today, in Home & Garden, Cafe Sheri writes about a green Christmas.

But I'm wondering if my fake tree is better or worse for the environment. My husband is pushing for a real one like he does every year, but those bother my allergies. Hmm. Fake or real?

According to SustaineLane.com, there are pluses and minuses to both. But whichever your choice, here's how to make your Christmas tree more environmentally sound?

Fake Tree

Pro: You're saving a real one every year you use the fake.

Cons: They are usually made out of unrecyclable, dioxin-leaching PVC. Plus, faux trees are shipped from abroad, so it took a lot of gas to get it to your living room.

Verdict: If you have one, use it to keep it out of the landfill. If you don't have one, skip it and buy a real tree.

Real Tree

Pros: Local trees didn't waste a lot of fossil fuels to get to you. You can find pesticide- and herbicide-free trees that are best for your family and the planet.

Cons: You can recycle your tree at the end of the season so it doesn't end up in a landfill. Check the National Christmas Tree Association to find a recycling center near you--or maybe your town picks them up to turn them to mulch.

Verdict: Probably a greener option. The greenest, though, is buying a potted Christmas tree that you can plant outside when you're done.

There's an ongoing conversation about this in the private CafeMom group Next Generation of Green Thinking Moms.

I'm sticking with my fake. What do you think? Will you be using a fake or real tree this year?