Words by

grapevine

Over half of those Icelanders polled intend to use a fake Christmas tree this year. However, live trees might actually be more environmentally friendly.
According to the results of a new poll conducted by Market and Media Research, 92% of Icelanders said they intend to have a Christmas tree this year. Of them, 52% said they intended to get a fake tree.
Specific demographics show some interest trends. Respondents were also asked about their political affiliations. As it turns out, those who support the Leftist-Green Party are the most likely to get a living tree, while those supporting the conservative parties – the Independence Party and the Progressives – are the most likely to buy fake ones.
The conventional wisdom has been that fake trees are more environmentally friendly, on account of trees not being cut down to make them. However, radio show Reykjavík siðdegis spoke to Steinunn Reynisdóttir, the manager of the horticulture department at the nursery Garðheima, who says that fake trees are actually worse for the environment.
Steinunn contends that these fake trees are often made with environmentally damaging materials, and in poor conditions, in Asian countries before being exported west. The shipping of these trees also includes the burning of fossil fuels, and the trees themselves will of course not decompose if thrown away.