I LOVE Christmas. I love the carols, I love the decorations, I love the food and not gonna lie, I love the gift-giving. Yep, I’m pretty much the anti-Grinch. But if there’s one thing I adore the most about this time of year, it’s the scent of Christmas trees. Along with the aroma of swimming pools (yes, I’m a weirdo), it’s my favourite smell in the world. Probably because it reminds me of all the other things I love about Christmas! Just walking past a shop display of pines trees is enough to give me some serious festive good vibes. But despite my affinity for pine trees, I actually haven’t bought one since I moved out of home about 6 years ago,
But despite my affinity for pine trees, I actually haven’t bought one since I moved out of home about 6 years ago.Why, you ask? Well, as I’ve mainly lived solo and don’t have a car, getting a heavy tree into my apartment hasn’t really been an option. Plus, let’s be honest, they’re more expensive than the artificial ones and there’s quite a bit of clean up involved. But this year, I’ve decided the real deal is totally worth the extra effort. Here’s why:
They’re better for you
Lately, Sydney and Melbourne have been absolutely ravaged by hay fever. Even people who don’t normally experience hay fever (like me) aren’t immune to the sniffles, thanks to the sky-high pollen count. But it turns out an unlikely suspect could be making your symptoms worse: your artificial tree! Many fake trees are made of PVC, a synthetic plastic that experts say can irritate the eyes, nose and lungs. Some of them even contain small amounts of lead, which has been linked to health issues like hypertension and infertility.
The longer you have your tree, the higher your risk of exposure to the nasty chemicals (as the plastic grows weaker). On the other hand, like many other houseplants, real pine trees can actually improve the air quality of your home! This can help reduce your exposure to other toxic chemicals lurking around your humble abode, from things like cleaning products and furniture.
They make you happy
For me, there’s something so nostalgic about the scent (and sight) Christmas trees. It reminds me of happy times, which in turn, makes me happy! But even if you’re not a Christmas fanatic, there’s scientific evidence to suggest that plants can increase your happiness. A study conducted in the UK over 17 years revealed that people who lived in greener neighborhoods were happier, no matter their circumstances. Plus, having indoor plants have been proven to boost relaxation, productivity and energy levels. Couple that with the festive scent of pine trees and your happiness levels are bound to be off the charts. But you know what probably won’t bring you much joy? Struggling to assemble your plastic tree. Just sayin!
They’re better for the environment
This may come as a surprise, but buying a real tree is actually better for the planet. Not only do fake ones often come with a lot of packaging, they usually end up in the landfill once you’re done with them. Then, there’s all the energy and resources that go into producing and shipping the tree. As for the real ones? Almost every council in Australia runs a free tree pick-up service in January. Then, they’ll either mulch it or compost it, which makes it carbon neutral. A far more sustainable option, if you ask us!
