It seemed to happen overnight: empty lots suddenly teeming with cut Christmas trees of all sizes for sale. But should you buy one? What's the environmental impact of Christmas trees? Should you get a real one, a fake one, a live one, none at all? Ideal Bite [1] answer these questions with a good little primer [2], “Will you have a blue Christmas without a ‘green’ tree?”

According to the web site, which offers great tips for a greener consumer lifestyle, the best option is a live tree – a potted tree that you can replant in your yard after the holidays. But if you don't have outdoor space to plant a tree, search for one that was grown without pesticides (which can be difficult [3] but is worth a try!) and make sure your town has a tree recycling program [4].

Photo credit: epa.gov