PVC Christmas Trees Bring Tidings of Great Savings, More Variety, and Less Mess
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 4, 2009 – Lustrous Christmas trees made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) provide holiday decorators significant savings over the annual purchase of farm-grown Christmas trees, according to the American Christmas Tree Association.
Based on a 10-year analysis released by the ACTA, the purchase of a single, PVC/vinyl Christmas tree costs 70 percent less than the purchase of 10 farm-grown Christmas trees over the same period. And if the PVC/vinyl tree is used more than 10 seasons, the savings can be even greater.
“A great way to minimize stress during the holidays and save money in the long run is to purchase an artificial tree,” said Jami Warner, ACTA Executive Director.
The word “artificial” should not deter tree buyers, as man-made trees have come a long way since the garish aluminum ones of the 1960s. Today’s choices in artificial trees are more lifelike than ever, often named after and resembling real tree species, in a variety of styles and sizes, sometimes including polyethylene in the branches for optimum realism.
Many reasons are encouraging consumers to purchase artificial Christmas trees made of PVC. They are durable, easy to assemble, maintain, and take down. They don’t leave pesky pine needles on the floor or leak sap, do not need to be watered, which can damage floors and carpets, will not have unsightly bare spots, and do not bring chemical residue from pesticides into the home. The branches are resistant to fading, and crush resistant to keep their shape year after year.
In addition, PVC/vinyl trees have fire retardant properties, and are approved by the National Fire Protection Association, which reports more than 200 home structure fires annually began with natural Christmas trees, causing an annual average of 24 civilian fire deaths and more than $13 million in damage.
Many who are allergic to terpene (the substance found in the oil or sap of natural trees), microscopic mold spores, pollen, or dust, or who suffer from asthma, have determined artificial trees are a healthier option.
The American Christmas Tree Association states artificial trees use an extremely high quality PVC/vinyl that is chemically and mechanically stable and does not affect human health with no emission dangers, and that PVC/vinyl is a safe plastic under normal conditions of use.
Moreover, artificial Christmas trees are made of millions of pounds of recycled PVC/vinyl, and manufacturers of artificial trees can recycle scrap PVC/vinyl right within their own factories.
Some trees are pre-lit, have a frosted look, and are designed for outdoor use. Christmas Lights Etc. offers outdoor trees that stand up to 50 feet tall, including the Giant Everest, with its branch needles made of high-grade commercial PVC/vinyl that quickly snap back into place when bent or pressed. Its trees are used at town center squares, parks, zoos, office complexes, schools, churches, and other commercial buildings around the country.
Those who miss the scent of a natural tree can supplement their artificial tree with pine-scented candles or air fresheners.
For untraditional holiday celebrants, PVC/vinyl trees are available in white, red, hot pink, lime green, and gothic black, and also as half-trees sliced down the middle, upside-down, and slim trees for those with limited space.
Greg Bocchi, President of The Vinyl Institute, noted, “Once consumers switch to a PVC/vinyl tree, they rarely go back. The savings in time, cost, and effort, as well as health and safety concerns, are convincing arguments for purchasing a PVC/vinyl Christmas tree, and then repackaging it and storing it for the next holiday season.”
The American Christmas Tree Association is a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate the public with factual data to help consumers make intelligent decisions about Christmas trees.
For more information, go to www.christmastreeassociation.org, www.christmastreeforme.com, and www.christmaslightsetc.com.
The Vinyl Institute represents the leading manufacturers involved in the production of PVC vinyl in the United States, and promotes the value of PVC and vinyl products to society.
For more information, contact:
Jeffrey B. Palmer
Director of Marketing & Communications
The Vinyl Institute
(571) 970-3327
jpalmer@vinylinfo.org
Also go to: www.vinylindesign.com and www.vinylinfo.org.