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December 2, 2008 11:21:51 AM CST

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Go Green on Christmas, Tree Huggers Say

Posted Dec 15, 07 12:20 PM CST in Science & Health,  Arts & Living 

(Newser) – You can be eco-friendly this holiday season without turning into Scrooge, the Smithsonian reports. For those considering Christmas trees, environmentalists claim real trees are actually better for the environment than the plastic variety, which emit harmful dioxins when created or when on fire.

For those looking for an even greener tree, "balled and burlapped" trees can be replanted after the holidays are over. Trees purchased from farms that use biological methods of pest control rather than chemicals also send the right message. Environmentalists also encourage the use of LED lights instead of incandescent bulbs, and tree trimming with organic ornaments, which are available from fair-trade companies.

Source Smithsonian

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Jessica Whitehead, 12, left, and her sister Rachel, 11, of North Andover, Mass. look for the perfect Christmas tree at Riverside at the Den in Lawrence, Mass. Thursday, Dec. 13, 2007 as snow falls during...   (Associated Press)
Shoppers walk past a giant Christmas Tree in a shopping mall on Monday Dec. 10, 2007 in Singapore.(AP Photo/Wong Maye-E)   (Associated Press)
John White carries a Maine-grown Christmas tree at a Rotary Club tree lot Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007, in South Portland, Maine. With the price of Canadian trees going up, many sellers are purchasing United...   (Associated Press)
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