I love Christmas it is seriously one of my favorite times of the year. This year I wanted to make sure that the tree I got was non toxic so I researched the best non toxic Christmas tree available.
Why are Christmas trees potentially toxic? Well because a lot of artificial Christmas trees are made of are PVC aka harmful chemicals which has the ability to cause adverse health effects and pollute the air quality that you are breathing.
That is why it is important to opt for a nontoxic Christmas trees (aka a non PVC Christmas tree) to keep your home toxin and chemical free!
Quick list to compare:
- The NusGear Faux Christmas Tree;
- Balsam Hill Artificial Christmas Tree;
- Treetime Deluxe Artificial Christmas Tree;
- Wood Christmas Trees;
- Felt Christmas Trees;
- Ikea Christmas Trees
Are Christmas Trees Toxic? (Including real Christmas trees)
Some Christmas trees can be toxic and this includes real Christmas trees.
How are real Christmas trees toxic? Real Christmas trees are toxic if chemicals/pesticides etc have been sprayed on the tree.
How are artificial Christmas trees toxic? Artificial Christmas trees can potentially be toxic if they are made with toxins like PVC (polyvinyl chloride) which pose health risks. Note, it is very hard to find a 100 percent PVC free Christmas tree.
We usually go for a real Christmas tree but have been investigating changing to a non toxic fake Christmas tree this year. If you do want to purchase a real Christmas tree, I would suggest asking the farm what treatment/pesticides are applied to the trees.
The Xmas tree we picked a few years ago
What toxic chemicals are in Artificial Christmas Trees?
The three main toxic chemicals you can find in Artificial Christmas Trees are Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Flame Retardants and Lead.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): This is a key component of a lot of Artificial Christmas Trees and something you seriously want to avoid (or avoid as much as possible). What it is is a form of toxic plastic which contains chlorine. The negative effect of this can be hormonal and reproductive issues in women.
Flame Retardants: The reason these are in Christmas trees is to make them less likely to burn. This is a positive thing as it means if the tree catches on fire from say a faulty light, the tree isn’t as flammable.
The negative of this is that the chemicals associated with Flame Retardants remain in the body for years as they don’t break down. This can potentially cause a magnitude of health issues including reproductive health in women, cancer and thyroid issues.
Lead: Another issue with artificial Christmas Trees is they can contain lead or other heavy metals. This is somewhat a issue of the past and most newer trees won’t have this issue but it is definitely something to check when you are looking for a tree.
What toxic chemicals are in Real Christmas Trees?
Pesticides and Herbicides: Probably the worst toxin that can be found in real Christmas trees is pesticides. Pesticides can cause stinging eyes, rashes, blisters, blindness, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea and in worse case death.
Mold: It is possible that mold can be found in real life christmas trees which can potnetially have adverse heath effects on your lungs and can cause asthma attacks and fatigue.
Sap or Resin: You should avoid this getting in contact with your skin if at all possible as it can cause skin irritation. It is important to wash your hands if you come in contact with sap and do not touch your eyes or mouth.
What makes a Christmas tree non toxic?
I will start by saying very few if any Christmas trees are 100% non toxic. But there are definitely ways to reduce the toxins and protect your family with your Christmas tree buying choices. You want to look for a PVC free Christmas tree.
Polyethylene (PE) or Polypropylene (PP): These big words may make your brain fry (it does mine) but essentially they are just forms of plastic which are much better than Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) – the thing you want to avoid in an artificial Xmas tree.
There has now been a big pushback on Christmas tree brands to reduce the amount of PVC but it is definitely something you want to check out before buying a tree.
Use an Air Purifier: The use of an air purifier is important. What an air purifier will do is filter out chemicals in the air from the tree.
Always wash hands after putting up the tree: It is something you don’t think of doing, but make sure you always wash your hands properly after putting up your tree.
Best Non Toxic Christmas Tree Guide 2023 | PVC & Lead free Options
The NusGear Faux Christmas Tree
If you are looking for a non toxic Christmas tree to protect your family this Christmas, the The NusGear Faux Christmas Tree is a good choice.
It is crafted from high-quality, eco-friendly materials that are free from harmful chemicals which means you don’t have to worry that your family are surrounded by harmful chemicals in the silly season. This artificial tree emits no toxic fumes, making it suitable for indoor use without any health concerns.
The tree is made with polyethylene (PE) and steel which are better for your heath than a polypropylene christmas tree.
We also love that the NusGear Faux Christmas Tree is a sustainable choice, which can be used over and over again, reducing the need for cutting down live trees.
Its durable construction make it an eco-conscious and non-toxic alternative, perfect for families looking to celebrate the festive season without compromising on safety and environmental responsibility.
Pros:
- Lovely attractive Christmas tree;
- Better than PVC materials which are healthier;
- Great if you live in an apartment or unit where a small tree is perfect or of you want something smaller;
Cons
- Quite a small size at 41.3″ tall which might not be what everyone is after.
Buy it here
Balsam Hill Artificial Christmas Tree
Another great non toxic Christmas tree is the Balsam Hill Artificial Christmas Tree. It is made from premium, fire-resistant PVC material, which is rigorously tested and certified to be free from harmful chemicals like lead and phthalates. A top rated lead free christmas tree.
This commitment to safety ensures that families can enjoy a worry-free holiday season without exposing themselves to toxic substances. The Xmas tree comprises of 84% PE and 16% PVC. The reason for the 16% PVC it to make the tree look full. This ratio is a lot better than most artificial trees.
We also love that Balsam Hill’s artificial trees are designed for long-term use, reducing the demand for freshly cut live trees each year and promoting sustainability.
With its lifelike appearance and durable construction, the Balsam Hill Artificial Christmas Tree is not only a visually appealing choice but also an environmentally responsible and non-toxic option, making it an excellent addition to any holiday celebration.
Pros:
- A very well made Xmas tree;
- Can last for many years.
Cons:
- Not 100% non toxic but close;
- As it is a ‘fake tree’ it won’t provide that fresh Christmas tree smell in your house.
Buy it here.
Treetime Deluxe Artificial Christmas Tree
The Treetime Deluxe Artificial Christmas Tree is a really good non toxic Christmas tree option.
The creators of this tree clearly care about reducing toxic material in their Christmas tree as they have made it with high-quality, fire-resistant materials that have been meticulously tested to ensure they are free from harmful chemicals such as lead and phthalates.
I for one really appreciate this companies commitment to getting their trees as non toxic as possible as it means families can enjoy the holiday season with peace of mind, knowing they are not exposing themselves to toxic substances.
Another plus of this Christmas tree option is that their artificial trees are designed for long-term use, reducing the need for the annual disposal of live trees.
I also think that their trees are really pretty so it is a win that the Treetime Deluxe Artificial Christmas Tree offers both aesthetics and environmental responsibility, making it an ideal non-toxic choice for a festive and eco-conscious holiday celebration.
Pros:
- Reduced toxic material – a near non toxic artificial Christmas tree;
- 10 year warranty on the product;
Cons:
- Not 100% non toxic but close;
- As it is a ‘fake tree’ it won’t provide that fresh Christmas tree smell in your house;
Buy it here.
Wood Christmas Trees
If you don’t mind an alternative type of Christmas tree, you can look into getting a wood Christmas tree which is a great non-toxic choice.
Firstly, wood trees are entirely natural and do not contain harmful chemicals or toxins that can be found in artificial alternatives. They are a safe and eco-friendly choice for families, ensuring a toxin-free holiday environment.
We also love the sustainable aspect of wood Christmas trees in that they can be reused year after year, reducing the need for cutting down live trees. This not only preserves natural resources but also contributes to a healthier environment.
Their timeless, rustic appeal and durability make wood Christmas trees an attractive and non-toxic alternative, perfect for those seeking a traditional and environmentally responsible way to celebrate the holiday season.
You can check out amazon for wood Christmas trees here.
Felt Christmas Trees
Felt Christmas trees are another non toxic option that kids really love!
Felt trees are made from natural, chemical-free materials, ensuring a safe and toxin-free holiday environment, especially important for households with young children or pets.
They pose no risk of off-gassing harmful substances, common with some artificial trees.
Felt Christmas trees are also a sustainable choice, as they can be reused year after year, reducing the environmental impact associated with cutting down live trees or disposing of artificial ones.
Their soft, tactile texture and charming designs add a cozy and festive touch to any home, making felt Christmas trees an attractive and non-toxic option.
You can check out felt Christmas trees on amazon here.
IKEA non toxic Christmas tree
Ikea are one of the few options that have truly non toxic Christmas trees. As they are made from PET plastic rather than toxic PVC they are a safer Christmas tree option. They also don’t contain flame retardants which we really love.
Ikea trees come in a various different styles and designs so you can pick one that suites you.
Buy your tree here.
FAQ
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See more non toxic living:
- Best non toxic air fryers
- Non toxic waffle makers
- Non toxic coffee machines that are plastic free!
- Safest Microwaves that are eco-friendly
- Best Nontoxic bassinets
Bett is living her best Nourished Life which is chemical free and non toxic! I will help you find the best alternatives to help your family be the healthiest versions of themselves!
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