An overlooked health hazard often lurks amid our festively adorned living rooms: Our beloved holiday decorations.
Christmas Trees
As the holiday season approaches, the Christmas tree becomes a central focus in many American homes. Nielsen Research notes a significant trend toward artificial trees. About 13 million of these trees, representing more than $1 billion in spending, will find their way into U.S. homes this season. However, this trend raises an important question: Are consumers aware of the risks associated with artificial trees?A vast majority of these artificial trees are imported from China. Their primary components—metals and plastics, particularly polyvinyl chloride (PVC)—conceal a less festive truth.
The production of artificial trees also poses environmental challenges. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, these petroleum-based products are frequently disposed of within nine years, contributing to long-term waste in landfills. “That’s a pretty hefty, long-term environmental burden,” the association states.
Real Christmas trees are a more environmentally friendly option. “While they’re growing, real Christmas trees absorb carbon dioxide and other gasses and emit fresh oxygen,” the National Christmas Tree Association states. These trees are grown on farms like any crop, with about 350 million conifer trees currently growing on U.S. farms.
“These trees would not exist if not planted by Christmas tree farmers,” the association states, emphasizing the positive environmental role of these farms. Additionally, real Christmas trees can be composted or recycled, unlike their artificial counterparts.
Christmas Tree ‘Fire-Retardant’ Solution:
- 2 gallons of hot water
- 2 cups of Karo syrup
- 2 ounces of liquid bleach
- A couple of pinches of Epsom salts
- 1/2 cup of borax
- 1 teaspoon of chelated iron (can be found in garden shops)
For those seeking creative alternatives, DIY (do-it-yourself) trees made from sustainable materials offer a unique and eco-friendly holiday centerpiece. These options not only reduce the environmental effects but also bring a personal and imaginative touch to holiday celebrations.
Building a DIY Twine and Stick Tree
- Measure the twine to fit the desired tree size.
- Arrange sticks on the twine to form a tree shape.
- Start at the top: Wrap twine around the first stick twice and tie a knot. Repeat on the other side.
- Progressively move down, repeating the wrapping and knotting process for each branch, ensuring they are straight.
- At the bottom, secure with two tight knots to keep the base stable.
- Trim off any excess twine.
- Choose a location in your house to hang the tree.
- Once hung, adjust the tree to ensure all branches are aligned.
- Let your creativity lead the way in decorating the tree, using lights, flowers, branches, or any other holiday décor.
String Lights
Apart from Christmas trees, holiday lights, another décor staple, also pose hidden risks. Although they create a festive atmosphere, some of these lights come with warnings regarding health concerns, including risks of cancer and reproductive harm.Many Christmas lights have lead in their PVC coatings, used to prevent deterioration. Lead is a known toxin with serious health implications, particularly for children and pregnant women. Even minimal exposure can cause neurological impairments and developmental delays.
Considering these risks, one might want to find safer alternatives. However, completely nontoxic Christmas lights are currently unavailable. All holiday string lights, including LEDs, contain at least trace amounts of harmful chemicals such as lead, other heavy metals, and phthalates.
Ornaments
With the tree set and lights aglow, attention turns to garlands and ornaments. A 2013 Healthy Stuff Lab study of more than 100 consumer products from nine national retailers found that nearly a quarter, including holiday garlands and ornaments, had lead levels surpassing the 100 ppm safety limit set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission for children’s items.The study also found high concentrations of arsenic in these products. Furthermore, nearly a third exhibited elevated bromine levels, suggesting the use of brominated flame retardants.
Given these findings, opting for ornaments and decorations labeled as made from nontoxic materials, or those certified by recognized health and safety organizations, can help reduce the risk of introducing harmful chemicals into homes.
Wrapping Paper
The tradition of gift-giving, often involving the wrapping of presents, is a highlight of the holiday season. Yet the vibrant exteriors of many wrapping papers may conceal health and environmental hazards.Numerous wrapping papers contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Released into the air during unwrapping, these VOCs, including formaldehyde, benzene, and acetone, can pose health risks. They may lead to immediate symptoms such as headaches and skin irritation, and with prolonged exposure, they might be linked to chronic conditions such as eczema, asthma, and even cancer.
Prioritizing Health in Holiday Traditions
In the context of holiday celebrations, it’s worth considering the balance between commercial interests and health-conscious decisions. Choosing healthier alternatives in holiday décor aligns with growing consumer awareness about the potential health risks associated with certain traditional products—and may compel companies to create safer products.With increasing awareness about the health effects of certain holiday products, consumers might advocate safer options. This awareness may also inspire a return to more traditional and basic forms of celebration. Such a change would reflect a growing preference for health and safety during the holiday season, potentially leading to a more balanced and health-conscious approach to festivities.