Dec 16
000

Real vs. Artificial Trees: Which Are More Environmentally-Friendly?

By Paige Wills in Facts About Deforestation

 
Christmas tree

Image via Wikipedia

         In my last post, I discussed some fun facts about Christmas trees. However, afterwards, I started thinking. Which type of Christmas tree, real or artificial, is more environmentally-friendly?

           My family has always used an artificial Christmas tree. My parents have only had two artificial trees in 30 years. That is a long time, and I must say, the tree still looks great! I anticipate they will have this tree for many more years to come.

           On the other hand, real trees only last a month or so. They have to be watered and the pine needles have to be vacuumed. They seem like a lot more maintenance. However, I have never had a real Christmas tree, so I’m not sure on how much upkeep they require.

          Then again, I have heard nothing compares to the smell of a freshly cut Christmas tree. The aroma is subtle and refreshing. I can assure you our artificial Christmas tree has no such aroma.

           Of course, real trees are renewable, recyclable resources. However, artificial trees last a long time. Also, I don’t know many people that simply throw away an artificial tree unless it is broken. Many people often donate artificial trees to thrift stores or charities.

          In the long run, I think artificial trees are a cheaper alternative. However, nothing compares to a real Christmas tree during the holidays. I think real trees probably will only set you back around the cost of a tank of gas nowadays. Also, buying real Christmas trees support local farmers instead of major corporations.

          As for which type of tree is better for the environment, I’m torn. Both types of trees are environmentally-friendly in some aspects. Artificial trees are made to last many years while real trees only last a couple of months. On the other hand, real trees can be recycled. Even if a real tree is thrown away, it will not hurt the environment. Also, new trees are usually planted to replace the ones that are cut down.

         What do you think? Are artificial or real Christmas trees more environmentally-friendly?

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Dec 15
001

Fun Facts about Christmas Trees

By Paige Wills in Facts About Deforestation, Facts About The Paper Industry, How Paper Is Environmentally Friendly

 
English: Christmas tree farm near Redland, Ore...

Image via Wikipedia

          By now, I’d say most of you already have your Christmas tree. However, there are probably a few that haven’t had a chance to purchase one. With the holiday fast approaching, I thought it would be interesting to share some fun facts about Christmas trees.

            According to the National Christmas Tree Association’s website:

  • Every year, approximately 25-30 million Christmas trees are sold in the U.S.
  • Approximately 350 million Christmas trees, all planted by farmers, are growing on U.S. farms.
  • Around 15,000 farms grow Christmas trees in the U.S.
    • Nearly 100,000 people are employed full or part time in the industry
  • In the U.S., there are about 350,000 acres in production for Christmas trees.

          Real trees are environmentally-friendly. All real Christmas trees can be recycled. Unlike artificial trees, if it is not recycled, the tree will not hurt the Earth.

          According to the National Christmas Tree Association’s website:

  • In the U.S., there are more than 4,000 local Christmas tree recycling programs
  • For every real Christmas tree that is harvested, one to three seedlings are planted.
  • Artificial trees contain non-biodegradable plastic and possible toxins that hurt the Earth.

          What is your Christmas tree tradition? Do you usually buy a Christmas tree from a store, cut it down as a family, or do you use an artificial tree?

           For more interesting statistics and figures on Christmas trees, check out the National Christmas Tree Association’s website.

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Dec 13
001

Fun Facts about the White House & Rockefeller Center Christmas Trees

By Paige Wills in Facts About Deforestation, Facts About The Paper Industry, How Paper Is Environmentally Friendly

 
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New Y...

Image via Wikipedia

          Many of us know about the Christmas trees that are placed in the White House and Rockefeller Center. However, many of us may not know the history or some fun and interesting facts about the trees.

            Here are some fun facts about the White House Christmas tree from christmastree.org:

  • The tree is a 19-foot balsam fir
  • It was grown on a farm near Neshkoro, Wisconsin
  • It was planted 18 years ago
  • The tree was hand-selected by the White House Superintendent of Grounds
  • It is located in the Blue Room
  • Nearly 100,000 visitors will see the tree
  • The  tree’s farm had to qualify for the national contest by first winning state and regional competitions

         Another tree icon during the holiday season is the giant Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.    

          Here are some fun facts about the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree from rockefellercenter.com:

  • The tree is generally a Norway Spruce
  • It is illuminated by 30,000 environmentally-friendly LED lights, which  is approximately 5 miles of wire
  • The tree is topped with a Swarovski crystal

          Here are some more fun facts from nyctourist.com:

  • The tree is recycled each year
  • Approximately 3 tons of mulch is donated to the Boy Scouts of America
  • A large portion of the trunk is donated to the United States Equestrian Team, and it is used as a jumping obstacle.

         According to about.com:

  • The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has to be a minimum of 65 feet tall and 35 feet wide.
  • It is usually 50 years or older
  • The farthest the tree has ever traveled is from Canada
  • The tree travels in the middle of the night with a full police escort.

          It’s nice to know these trees are appreciated in our society. I mean the tree gets a police escort! It’s also nice to know that environmentally-friendly lights are used and that the trees are recycled instead of simply being thrown away.

         Although I do enjoy the large Christmas trees, it is sort of bitter sweet. If you think of how many years it took the tree to reach that size, it bothers me that we just cut it down for our own enjoyment. On the other hand, I do believe the trees help bring our country together are a symbols that everyone can appreciate and enjoy.

         What are your thoughts? Does the recycling of the tree justify it being cut down? Have you ever seen either one of these trees up close in person? Do you think we should and will continue the tradition?

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Dec 11
000

The Importance of Paper and Braille for the Blind during the Holiday Season

By Paige Wills in Facts About The Paper Industry, Why Choose Paper?

 
English: Book in braille in the House museum o...

Image via Wikipedia

          People are saying that the future of paper-based communication looks grim. However, the people that are taking paper for granted are people that have the ability to see.

           I never really thought about the importance of paper to the blind. Writing and drawing on paper is a primary way they communicate and learn. Although new technology has been created that can aid the blind, no computer can mimic the touch and feel paper can evoke

            For example, in an article in the Courier Journalby Ken Neuhauser titled “Card making captures feel of the holidays,” Neuhauser wrote about a holiday card factory that was being put on by the Museum of the American Printing House for the Blind. This workshop emphasized the importance of touch.

            In a quote from the article, Neuhauser said, “Participants will be able to explore the use of different materials that evoke the spirit of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa and add a message to their cards in Braille.”

            There are so many different textures and materials that play a vital role in the lives of blind people. The Museum of the American Printing House for the Blind showcases the history and education for printing for the blind.

            Did you know there is a form of paper manufactured specifically for writing Braille? I never really thought about it until I read this article.

            I think this proves that paper-based communication will be a vital part of our lives for years to come. It plays an important role for people who can see; however, it plays an even bigger role in the lives of people who cannot. How can we take that away?

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Dec 08
002

Christmas: The Largest Paper Card-Sending Holiday in the United States

By Paige Wills in Why Choose Paper?

 
Christmas postcard date unknown, circa 1900.

Image via Wikipedia

             It’s the first part of December and you know what that means? Christmas cards! It’s the time of year when mailboxes fill up with holiday and paper Christmas cards. I don’t know about you, but we receive cards from family, friends, and relatives we rarely see.

                According to Hallmark’s corporate website, approximately 1.5 billion Christmas cards are sent annually, making it the largest card-sending holiday in the U.S. This number does not include the number of packages and presents that are delivered during the holiday.

                According to Hallmark’s corporate website, Hallmark created its first Christmas card in 1915. My family usually sends out generic, store-bought Christmas cards. However, lots of our family and friends make custom cards, which usually include family photos.

                Also, we always receive one or two handwritten or typed notes from relatives we rarely see. They print pictures and update us on what happened this past year usually on about 5 pages of paper!

                So as you can see, paper cards play an important role during the holiday season.

                What is your Christmas, card-sending tradition? Do you receive or include personalized notes or pictures in your cards?

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