The Benefits of Buying Organic Christmas Trees

There are times when I read another source's article on Associated Content that it gets me to thinking about the subject. That was the case when I read "Organic Christmas Tree Farms: Where to Buy an Organic Christmas Tree" written by Candice W. Until I read the article, I hadn't given too much thought about the importance of choosing an organic tree- a tree that was grown without using "synthetic pesticides or fertilizers" per the requirements of the Department of Agriculture and the Certified Naturally Grown organization, according to The New York Times. The health hazards from Christmas trees that are sprayed with pesticides and herbicides are particularly dangerous to the tree farm workers. But the buyers who handle the trees and take them into their homes are also at risk. Read this informative article and find out the benefits of buying organic Christmas trees.

Common Poisons Used to Spray Non-Organic Trees
The good news is, there are fewer pesticides and herbicides being used today, according to the North Carolina State University Cooperative extension. Cut-your-own-tree farms and farmer markets are less likely to spray their crops. The bad news is, there are still several pesticides and herbicides (for weed control around the trees) being used. Di-Syston 15 G, Lindane, Dimethoate, Asana, Lorsban, Savey, Morestan, Talstar and Thiodan are common pesticides being used. Roundup, Simazine, Goal, Vantage, Stinger, Garlon and Crossbow are common herbicides.

Who Is Affected By the Toxic Pesticides and Herbicides?
First, the Christmas tree farm workers who spray the trees and surrounding areas are at the greatest risk. Next, there's chemical run-off into the nearby land that can find its way into water supplies. Also, the toxic chemicals disturb the natural habitats of the wildlife, according to the Artificial Trees website. When the non-organic Christmas trees reach places like homes and offices, people like you and I are then exposed to the toxic pesticides and herbicides.

Why Buy Organic Christmas Trees?
Buy organic Christmas trees and you won't have to worry about possible allergic reactions that you and your family may experience from the applied pesticides and herbicides. According to Ecochem, many of the EPA-registered pesticides used on Christmas trees have been "linked to one or more adverse effects, including cancer, hormonal disruption, neurotoxicity, organ damage, reproductive/birth defects, asthma, environmental effects and more."

Buy organic Christmas trees and you support the growers who are using eco-friendly practices. You'll also protect yourself and others from health hazards like pesticides and herbicides.

Resources
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2487908/organic_christmas_tree_farms_where.html?cat=57
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/04/garden/04garden.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all
http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_3548.cfm
http://www.artificialtrees.com/benefitsoforganicchristmastrees.php

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/fletcher/programs/xmas/environment/pesticides.html
http://www.ecochem.com/ENN_xmas_tree.html