The holidays are here, and with them come the twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, and, of course, the Christmas tree.
If you’re like most people, you want your tree to look picture-perfect.
But before you grab a flocked tree—that’s the one with fake snow sprayed all over it—let’s talk about why skipping it this year might be the best gift you can give the planet.
Flocked trees may look dreamy, like a scene from a holiday movie, but actually, they’re not very friendly to the environment.
A flocked tree starts as a regular real tree, but then it’s coated with artificial snow made of chemicals like fatty acids, solvents, and binders.
Sometimes, aerosol sprays or even spray paints are used to get that look.
While they may look festive in your living room, these trees can cause big problems once the holidays are over.
Why? Well, those chemicals don’t break down easily. And flocked trees can’t be recycled.
When they’re thrown out, they go straight to a landfill.
Recycling centers won’t take them because the fake snow is made with non-biodegradable materials, and adding that to mulch or compost could harm plants, animals, and soil.
For example, Burlington County’s “Treecycle” program at the County Resource Recovery Complex in Florence specifically bans flocked trees.
Without recycling options, these trees take up space in landfills and decompose slowly, all while releasing harmful chemicals into the environment.
And the harm isn’t just to the planet.
If flocking materials are sprayed on, they can release toxic fumes into your home.
This can affect the air quality, harming you, your family, or your pets.
So, while it may look nice, the risks outweigh the benefits.
If you love the snowy look, there’s a better option: get an artificial tree and add the flocking to that instead.
Artificial trees are made of PVC plastic and aren’t recyclable either, but they last for many years.
If you reuse the same tree, you’re helping reduce waste compared to buying a flocked real tree every year.
When the time comes to get rid of the artificial tree—hopefully after many holidays—it will only end up in a landfill once, which is still better than tossing a flocked tree annually.
But let’s be honest—do you even need the fake snow?
A simple, natural tree can still look stunning.
You can recycle it easily when you go with a real tree and skip the chemicals.
Many communities turn natural trees into mulch or compost, helping them return to the earth in a positive way.
A natural, undecorated tree is a win for the holidays and the environment.
The Bordentown Township Environmental Commission encourages everyone to go greener with their holiday decor this year.
Their advice is to keep it simple, avoid unnecessary chemicals, and consider your choices’ long-term effects.
The holidays are about joy, family, and togetherness—not about whether your tree looks like it’s covered in snow.
So this year, try skipping the flocked tree.
You can choose a natural, untreated tree or stick with an artificial tree you can use for years to come.
It’s a small change but makes a big change for the planet.
For more tips on how to make your holidays eco-friendly, check out the Bordentown Township Environmental Commission’s website.
Let’s celebrate the season while keeping things green.
Happy holidays!