RICHMOND – When considering a Christmas tree this season, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) in Virginia is urging consumers to help the environment and local economy by buying a real tree and recycling it after the holidays.

“Real Christmas trees are a renewable resource that clean our air and water. After the holidays they should be planted, composted or recycled into mulch,” said CBF Virginia Watershed Restoration Scientist Matt Kowalski. “Buying a real Christmas tree is also a great way to support local growers this season.”

According to a press release, for some people, having a real Christmas tree is not a viable choice.

“However, an artificial petroleum-based tree is used on average for just six to nine years before it takes up permanent space in the local landfill, according to the National Christmas Tree Association,” officials said in the release.