Nothing represents the winter holiday season more than watching the blue garbage truck haul away the decaying, “memory-filled” Christmas tree.

Nearly 15 million of these plants annually wind up in the landfill according to the National Environmental Education Foundation

As a dedicated plant mom, my family’s first and only real tree, purchased the previous year, convinced me of the drawbacks of caring for a leeching organism that dehydrates our water bills.

While for the typical American family, shopping for such a Yuletide log has become a spirited ritual if not the highlight of the season, I don’t mind that my family’s tradition is rooted in our annual dig into our garage where our $40 white stubby 4-foot purchase awaits its debut back into our cramped living room. 

Although the idea of a pine-scented grandiose tree sounds tempting, my family prioritizes environmental consciousness over superficial decorations.

A yearly purchase of a real, 7-foot towering monstrosity is one that the Sheen family will never willingly add onto our measly holiday budget; buy one fake guy, and we’re good for another 10 years.

So this holiday season, go plastic — that will save not only family expenses, but also warm the hearts of my fellow plant enthusiasts.