The Christmas tree is an iconic symbol of the winter holiday season that heralds a festive atmosphere and is celebrated around the world. While traditional trees, cut and decorated with lights, ornaments, and tinsel have been around for centuries, it wasn’t until the 20th century that artificial trees began to gain popularity. In this article, we will explore the fascinating history and evolution of artificial Christmas trees.
The Origins of Artificial Christmas Trees
While the first factory-made artificial trees were created in Germany in the 1900s, it wasn’t until after World War II that these trees began to gain traction in America. At the time, the United States was beginning to face a major environmental issue, due to the mass harvesting of trees for use as Christmas decorations. The growing concern for global warming and deforestation led many to consider trying artificial trees. The newfound popularity of artificial trees paired with the scarcity of real trees yet affordable artificial trees helped the market boom. Additionally, the ease and convenience of taking down and storing an artificial tree as compared to the maintenance and cleanup for a real tree were also seen as major conveniences.
The Evolution of Artificial Christmas Tree Materials
In the 1970s, the materials used to make artificial trees began to evolve, with manufacturers introducing PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) as the primary material. PVC is highly durable, non-flammable, and can be easily molded into the desired shape – making it ideal for manufacturing Christmas trees. Artificial trees could now be made to look and feel like real trees, but they were much easier to care for and could last for many years. Additionally, technology has enabled the creation of pre-lit artificial trees ensuring that the time and effort needed to add lights to the tree are eliminated.
Global Trends in Artificial Christmas Tree Design
Over the years, the innovation and creativity in the production of artificial Christmas trees have continued to evolve. Crafted in every imaginable height, shape, color, and theme, today’s artificial Christmas trees are nothing like the traditional green trees of yesteryear. You can buy artificial trees in colors from pink, white, silver, and even black! You can even purchase pre-lit artificial trees that have built-in LED lighted branches, snow-spotted boughs, and remote-controlled functions.
Sustainability and the Future of Artificial Christmas Trees
Another advantage of artificial trees is that they can help reduce our carbon footprint. The environmental impact of Christmas trees can be significantly reduced by using artificial trees since they can be used for multiple years, preventing trees from being cut down regularly. Studies show that using artificial trees for approximately six years, can help reduce carbon emissions by one-third, compared if a real tree had been purchased every year. In today’s global climate, everyone is eager to adopt more sustainable methods for living and artificial trees offer a convenient opportunity.
In conclusion, artificial Christmas trees have come a long way since their inception, and it’s pretty amazing to see how they have evolved so much in the market today. Not only are they convenient, but they are also a sustainable and beautiful alternative. From the innovative materials they are made of, flexible designs, unique colors, and functions, there is no question as to why they continue to remain popular. Perhaps the most inspiring aspect is that they continue to reduce our impact on the environment, offering a way for everyone to enjoy this festive tradition, while still being responsible towards our planet. It is safe to say, artificial Christmas trees are here to stay.