Celebrate the inaugural National Christmas Tree Day with a real tree. Doing so supports local farmers and is the best environmental choice, according to more than one recent study.
The Canadian Christmas Tree growers association declared Dec. 8 as National Christmas Tree day in recognition of the 500-year-old tradition of a real tree as the centre-piece of the winter holiday season.
Tree growers from all regions across Canada endorsed the idea as a reminder to consumers of the economic and environmental benefits of purchasing your tree from a local producer.
Studies have shown real Christmas trees have a smaller environmental impact than the fake ones. As part of a series on global water issues author Ker Than, writing for National Geographic news, found real trees to be a better environmental choice because they use less water, fossil fuels and are 100 per cent recyclable.
Trinity Valley Christmas Trees, on Mable Lake Road in Enderby, offers a wide variety of tree choices. “I find interesting species from other reputable B.C. tree farmers,” said Jim Ilott owner of the long-time local choice for real trees in the Okanagan.
In addition to the Douglas and alpine fir he grows locally, he sources Fraser, grand, noble and Canaan fir from growers in the Fraser Valley. Nine kinds of trees can be found at his four retail locations at Canadian Tire stores in Vernon, Kelowna, Westbank and Penticton.
Help the environmental, support local business, buy a real tree.