Three Ways to Win the "Debate of the Trees" this Christmas and Keep it Real

LITTLETON, Colo., Nov. 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Festivus may have the "Airing of the Grievances" but Christmas has the "Debate of the Trees." Assemble the plastic tree sitting in a dusty box in the garage, or bring home a bit of fresh pine? It's enough to divide families, challenge relationships, and invite the judgment of (former) friends.

As a public service, the Christmas Tree Promotion Board (CTPB) is taking to the road this holiday season to equip lovers of living things, and those yet undecided, with three ways to end the debate and spread peace throughout the land.

THE WINNING WAYS

When they say: "But cutting down trees is bad for the environment!"
You win by dropping a few facts: "Independent researchers have shown that growing, using and recycling real Christmas trees is actually good for the environment."

• A study by independent research firm Ellipsos titled "Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of an Artificial Christmas Tree and a Natural Christmas Tree" shows that the natural tree is much friendlier to the environment when compared to an artificial tree. The artificial tree has three times the amount of impact on climate change and resource depletion when compared to a real tree.¹
• For every real Christmas tree that's harvested, one new tree is planted.
• Real Christmas trees are biodegradable. They can be recycled or reused for mulch.
• Artificial trees, once thrown out, will sit in landfills for — literally — centuries.

When they say: "But why should I buy the same thing over and over again?"
You win by putting things into economic context: "Buying real Christmas trees provides real business for real farmers."

• 100% of real Christmas trees sold in the U.S. are grown in North America.
• Real Christmas trees are a real crop, farmer-planted and hand-harvested specifically for people to enjoy each season. Think of them like other seasonal items you enjoy, such as the Halloween pumpkin you carve with your kids or the fresh-cut flowers you buy for a loved one.

When they say: "But real Christmas trees are such a hassle."
You win by reminding them what's important: "The search for a real Christmas tree creates a special experience."

• From the scent to the search, real Christmas trees create memories with family and friends.
• No artificial tree can replace the experience.

LIVE … AND IN PERSON
From California to Massachusetts, the CTPB is partnering with lighting ceremonies featuring real Christmas trees to remind people that choosing a real Christmas tree is a choice to be proud of.

To kick off the Christmas season, the CTPB is bringing its message to:

• Saint Louis, Mo. — Festival of Lights at Kiener Plaza on Saturday, November 18
• Sacramento, Calif. — Old Sacramento Tree Lighting on Wednesday, November 22
• Portland, Ore. — Tree Lighting Ceremony at Pioneer Square on Friday, November 24
• Boston, Mass. — Boston Commons Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, November 30

Each event will include a grand tree lighting ceremony, as well as family-friendly festive holiday activities. The CTPB will invite attendees to play a "Real Tree Trivia" spin-to-win game for the opportunity to win prizes and to learn more about the benefits of real Christmas trees, directly from a real Christmas tree farmer.  

IT'S CHRISTMAS. KEEP IT REAL.
From neighborhood stores and local farms, to seasonal lots and even online, the perfect real Christmas tree is available no matter where you like to shop.

For more information, visit:
www.itschristmaskeepitreal.com or www.facebook.com/ItsChristmasKeepItReal. 

About the Christmas Tree Promotion Board
Established in 2015, the Christmas Tree Promotion Board is a national research and promotion program whose mission is to share the benefits of fresh Christmas trees with consumers through promotion and public relations, while engaging in research to better serve our customers and growers.

¹ Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of an Artificial Christmas Tree and a Natural Christmas Tree; Ellipsos, Montreal, Quebec, 2009; pages 6 & 8. 

Contact: Liz Conant
[email protected]
916-492-5333  

SOURCE Christmas Tree Promotion Board

Related Links

http://www.itschristmaskeepitreal.com