MONTREAL, Dec. 17 /CNW Telbec/ - The natural Christmas tree has lower
impacts on the environment than the artificial tree, according to an
independent Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) conducted by ellipsos inc., a firm of
experts in sustainable development. Results show that a natural tree will
generate 3.1 kg of greenhouse gases whereas the artificial tree will produce
8.1 kg per year.
"The results are astonishing", says Jean-Sébastien Trudel, president of
ellipsos and co-author of the study. "Considering that the artificial tree is
reusable for many years, one would think that this choice is best since the
natural tree requires annual trips to purchase it."
ellipsos chose the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method to perform this
study. It follows the recognized ISO 14040 and 14044 standards and it was
reviewed by an independent third-party of peers. This approach takes into
account the tree environmental impacts, from the extraction of raw materials
to the end of life. While natural trees also have environmental impacts, the
LCA shows that an artificial tree would need to be kept for at least 20 years
to be equivalent! Currently, people keep it for six years, on average.
Interestingly, to compensate for the impacts of a Christmas tree, be it
natural or artificial, one can offset the carbon emissions by carpooling or
biking to work only one to three days per year, according to ellipsos.
"Knowing this, the most ecological choice between the natural and the
artificial Christmas tree becomes anecdotal. Regardless of the chosen type of
tree, the impacts on the environment are negligible if compared to other
activities, such as driving solo to work on a daily basis", concludes
Jean-Sébastien Trudel.
ellipsos helps businesses adopt sustainable management practices by using
recognized scientific approaches such as the LCA. To get a copy of the study,
consult our web site at www.ellipsos.ca and continue this discussion on our
blog at http://evolutionindustrielle.blogspot.com.
For further information: Lorraine, Expert, Corporate Social
Responsibility, ellipsos inc., (514) 824-3035, lsimard@ellipsos.ca
