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Teddy Roosevelt banned Christmas trees from the White House, believing the tradition depleted the nation’s forests. But fake trees, once such a promising contender, have proved toxic as well as tacky. Merry Christmas! |
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CUT |
FAKE |
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Market |
$1.4 billion |
$670 million |
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Dirty Business |
Produce oxygen, but require tons of pesticides and herbicides. |
85% imported from China; most made with PVC, a toxic plastic. Some contain lead. |
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That Warm Feeling |
Christmas tree fires cause some $16 million in property damage each year. 13% happen in February or later. |
Many are flame retardant. If you manage to set one on fire, it will burn very hot and emit toxins such as dioxin. |
Christmas in the ER |
Each year, about 11,000 people are treated for injuries from hanging ornaments and holiday decorations. |
7.5-foot SimpliciTree comes with more than 60 ornaments and 600 lights, and is run by remote control. |
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Treevival? |
Industry says 93% are recycled via community programs. |
Come with 5-year warranties, stay in landfills for centuries. |
