ARE you still having the debate about whether to get a real or artificial Christmas tree? Which is more environmentally friendly? You might be surprised.

Most artificial Christmas trees are made from a combination of metals and plastics. Not only is oil used to transport and refine the raw materials needed, it is also used to make the plastic for the tree and, with most artificial trees made in the Far East, to transport the finished product halfway around the world to your nearest store.

Plastic trees last a long time, but are you really going to pass it on to your children as a family heirloom?

Then what happens when you’ve had enough of your artificial tree? They are not recyclable, so the tree will sit in a landfill site for a very long time.

In contrast, while a real tree is growing it acts as a carbon sink, taking in the carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. By the time it is cut down, half the tree’s mass will be from the carbon it has taken out of the atmosphere.

If you buy a real tree sourced from British woods it will have travelled fewer miles to get to you.

Of course, a small amount of fertiliser and pesticides may have been used in its growth, which does increase its carbon footprint, although now you can also buy organic Christmas trees.

You could also choose a tree that has its root ball intact so you can plant it in the garden and re-use it year after year.

Disposing of your real tree could not be easier. If you take it to the local garden waste skip at a recycling site it will become compost, which keeps the carbon in the tree locked in the soil and feeds the next generation of plants.

Some councils even have doorstep collections.

Or if you are trying to beat the credit crunch why not decorate one of your house plants. We do this every year in the office and they look great.

Whatever you decide, Merry Christmas to all of you, and remember to recycle your bottles, cans, papers and plastics, and compost your Christmas dinner leftovers.

If you have any hints and tips for being green this Christmas email me at recycling@premierwaste.com

■ Tony Hitchens is head of marketing at Premier Waste Management