December 23, 2023 Issue, Page 14 of 24

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that when compared on an annual ba- trees provide real business for real farm- sis, the artificial tree has three times ers. Fully 100 percent of real Christmas more impacts on climate change and trees sold in the U.S. are grown in North resource depletion than the natural tree. America. Real Christmas trees are biodegradable Every choice is a trade-off. What you and can even be recycled or reused for gain with the ease of an artificial tree, you mulch, and every year the circle of life lose in the experience of a real tree. To be continues, Artificial trees are petroleum- fair, this is subjective. But years from now, based products and most are imported from overseas. Many are thrown away which do you think you'll remember seven to 10 years after they're purchased, more warmly: assembling a plastic tree and every year the landfills where they you pulled out of the attic that looks ex- will stay (literally for centuries) get a little actly the same year after year, or bringing bit bigger. home and decorating a real tree that you Still don't like the idea of cutting down enjoyed hunting for with your friends yth¢ Behi a tree? Remember that just like the Hal- and family? Selecting a real Christmas loween pumpkin you carve with your ‘Debate tree makes memories. The hunt for a real Artificial-T re kids or the fresh-cut flowers you buy for a loved one on special occasions, real Christmas tree can create an experience Wa? - everything from the scent to the search Christmas trees are farmer-planted and - that simply can't be manufactured and here do you stand in the hassle, but read on for some facts that hand-harvested specifically for people to real vs. artificial debate? will set the record straight and some that no artificial tree can replace. enjoy. And, for every real Christmas tree (BPT) - Here comes thoughts that might turn your head Ultimately, with all of the myths aside, harvested, a new tree is planted. Santa Claus .. and a on some of the more subjective sides If it's your wallet that worries you, keep a real Christmas tree is a choice you can sleigh full of confusion about Christ- of the debate. in mind that it's no surprise that artifi- be proud of. Whether you prefer to shop mas trees. Better to buy real or better If your No. 1 concern is the environ- cial things frequently cost less than real at a neighborhood store, local farm, sea- to buy artificial? Popular myths are ment, your No. 1 choice should be a things. True, not everyone agrees "you sonal lot or even online, there's a real that real trees are bad for the envi- real tree. Growing, using and recy- get what you pay for,’ but there's a sec- Christmas tree available for everyone. For ronment, artificial trees make more fi- cling real Christmas trees is good for ond economic case to be made for buy- more information, visit Facebook.com/ nancial sense and real trees are just a the environment. Research shows ing a real Christmas tree: Real Christmas ItsChristmasKeepltReal. MERRY o * ay _$——i>—__—$ BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS We hope you have a great rigtmag and look forward to helping you get Fred‘s through the holiday’! Steakhouse 2103 S. Main, 2107S. Main Street Elk City Elk City 580.243.2100 @ 580-225-3463 Zybach and Fairchild, CPA’s www.fredssteakhouseok.com 2302 W. 3rd Street Elk City - 580.225.1883