Reason No. 1: Artificial trees can be potentially harmful to your health.

The manufacturers of artificial Christmas trees sometimes use lead and other additives to make the PVC needles on artificial trees more malleable. These additives have been linked to liver, kidney, neurological and reproductive system damage in lab studies on animals. The Children's Health Environmental Coalition warns that fake trees "may shed lead-laced dust, which may cover branches or shower gifts and the floor below the tree."

Reason No. 2: Artificial Christmas trees are harmful to the environment.

Artificial trees are non-biodegradable and the manufacturing process requires large amounts of fossil fuels. Also, the transportation of artificial Christmas trees halfway around the world adds significantly to the overall consumption of fossil fuel. Artificial Christmas trees are not biodegradable and cannot be recycled. As a result, when disposed in a landfill, artificial trees will never breakdown but rather permanently remain in landfills. If disposed of by incineration, the PVC in artificial trees will emit into the atmosphere dioxins and other carcinogens resulting in health risks. Artificial Christmas trees are manufactured from a non-renewable source.

Reason No. 3: The production of artificial Christmas trees abroad often occurs in sweat shops which are unsafe and unhealthy for the workers.

Production of artificial Christmas trees in China and elsewhere is done in sweatshop conditions without the health concern for workers. Many workers involved in the production are exposed to dangerous chemicals without adequate safety controls.

Reason No. 4: The purchase of foreign-made artificial Christmas trees is harmful to the American economy.

The purchase of foreign-made artificial Christmas trees is damaging to American Christmas tree growers who employ more than 100,000 workers.

Reason No. 5: Christmas is the season for rich and natural traditions, not more artificiality.

We increasingly live in an artificial world. Of all the seasons annually, Christmas should be real and rich in tradition. Purchasing a real Christmas tree will certainly contribute to the joys of a traditional Christmas celebration.