Being Green: Your Life, Your Choices; December 2008; Scientific American Earth 3.0; by Dawn Stover; 2 Page(s)

Which is the greenest Christmas tree: artificial or real? Artificial trees, which are gaining in popularity (and even come in ¿upside-down¿ ceiling-mounted models), are typically made in China from nonbiodegradable plastics. Although they can last for years, they ultimately end up in landfills. Real trees are renewable, recyclable and biodegradable. The nearest recycling program can be found at http://earth911.org. To keep your carbon footprint to a minimum, look for trees that are grown organically and as close to home as possible.

Still feeling guilty about ending a young tree¿s carbon-sequestering days? Another option is better still: a tree with its root-ball still attached. In Portland, Ore., revelers can rent a seven-foot tree from the Original Living Christmas Tree Company for $75. The company delivers the tree, picks it up a few weeks later, and sells it to parks departments, landscapers and others for planting. For possible services near you, try asking a local nursery. Do-ityourselfers can find instructions on how to purchase, transport and plant a tree at www.livingchristmastrees.org. Right-side-up, preferably.