Christmas tree-ness

[AddieBelle]

I am looking forward to this debate and in the interim, will research what I can so as to contribute from my head, instead of just my heart!

Provoking discussion is right!

:excl:

[pgkzo]

where oh where do i begin? do i start with a roar, a joke, a rant or a rave? maybe just a sigh...first off youmeus, you brought up some excellent points and even some facts - but there are more facts and points out there, and also more contexts...so i will try to comment on as much as i have time for today...

allow me to begin with the christmas tree subject:
yes, there are farms out there that are part of the economic input for many areas; they provide a renewable resource and that is good; now, given that they are a customary part of our culture, and are fun (until the cat knocks them over or they catch fire), but they are NOT necessary (like food, water, shelter, etc)- given that they are not really necessary (will mention some alternatives)at all, what is the justification for the energy it takes to plant, harvest and transport or for the pollution created by same, or for the pollution created by the use of pesticides/hebicides and fertilizers? organic tree farms would be better and not all xmas tree farms apply chemicals to the same degree, but that still doesn't make them necessary. Plus, well-groomed xmas tree farms, especially the gigantric ones, are monocultures that are inimical to wildlife and healthy ecosystems, may promote runoff, etc and may have been created in a formerly healthy ecosystem. Our culture is seriously dedicated to consume consume consume. We are conspiculouly the most resource consuming, wasteful and pollution generating country on the planet. How about making your own tree out of scraps and trimmings? It might look a little goofy but it could be alot of fun too (you could have a contest for the goofiest looking tree)- lots of white pine and cedar trimmings around here - attached to some scrap poles or SOMETHING could be darn useful, constructive and creative and i know people who can create beauty out of anything. My mother hangs some decorations (and a string of high efficiency chilli pepper lights) all over a large plant holding system in front of a large window - it looks great and no tree is used. You can also pop a small tree out of your woodlot and that causes little harm (except to the tree itself) unless you end of denuding the land over the years or adversely affecting a critical habitat. The xmas tree industry is wasteful and unnecessary
and you don't HAVE to support it. If you are concerned about what the land might be used for if the xmas tree farm wasn't there, support open space and land trust initiatives in your area and oppose unnecessary development. Paper and plastic in the next post, but first a few deep breaths...

[YouMeUs]

Well... good point about the trees not being necessary. Ditto for thinking of all the far-reaching effects their production has, things that we probably never think about. Of course, on the great, long list of unnecessary things we comsume, God knows there are many many many things that rank higher than a tree once a year.

That said, mine is artificial. A steel "trunk" with branches made from aluminum with some kind of plasticy-nylon things for needles. Even up close it looks pretty convincing. It was kind of pricey, but it's been with me for several years and still looks good. And that would be the lesson I'd offer: with some things you really do get what you pay for. Instead of buying a cheap fake tree that lasts a few years and then has to be replaced, shell out the money for something that's made well and will last many years. If you have a wholesale florist in your area, that would be a good place to look (Smith & Rogers, off 8th Avenue near the fairgrounds, for you Nashvillians). Probably a moot point for everyone this late in the season, but something to consider next year.

The parents arrive tomorrow so I may be preoccupied for a few days. If I don't get back here for a while, Merrry Christmas (or whatever you believe in!) everyone. :smile: