In 1536, Martin LutherA 16th Century German priest known for his role in the Protestant Reformation and as the namesake of Lutheranism. was walking in woods in Germany. He saw stars shining through trees. Inspired, he took one home and lit it with candles.

Some say the religious reformer invented the Christmas tree. Others think it is just a good story. This German custom is now a global business. Around 25 million trees are cut down each Christmas in North America alone.¹

But artificial trees are becoming popular. In the US, sales doubled in the last decade.²

In winter, green trees remind us of spring. So the ancient Egyptians put green palms in their homes and the Romans decorated temples with green branches.

Can plastic replace this ancient tradition? Could fake trees be eco-friendly?

In the 19th Century, Germans made the first artificial trees using goose feathers. Most modern ones are made from recycled plastic.

They have a big carbon footprintThe total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by our actions. China is the top emitter with 28% of the world's total emissions. The US is second with 14%., says expert John Kazer. It would take "at least 10 Christmases to keep its environmental impact lower than that of a real tree".

Live trees absorb CO₂. But they also need pesticides and fertilisers. If the tree ends up in landfill, it decomposes and produces methane, a greenhouse gasGases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, contributing to global warming. Carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and water vapour are all greenhouse gases. 25 times more powerful than CO₂.³ Kazer says they should be burnt or replanted.

Environmental scientist Laura Young says fake trees can be "really sustainable" if looked after and passed on.

In 1848, a newspaper picture showed Queen VictoriaThe Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 1837 to 1901. Her reign is known as the Victorian era. and her German husband, Prince Albert, with a Christmas tree. Soon everyone wanted one in their homes.

But the tradition arrived in England much earlier. Queen Charlotte decorated one in 1800. Before that, people put greenery in churches.

Traditions change. Ideas online include book trees and creative uses for step ladders and box crates. The goal: be festive without hurting the planet.

Yes: Our ancestors worshipped trees and followed rituals to make sure spring would come. Now we must stop killing trees and make better traditions so the world can have a future.

No: Nothing compares with the look, feel and smell of a real tree. We need these comforting traditions. And if we buy locally and dispose of our trees responsibly, we can enjoy them guilt-free.

Or... This debate is pointless if you travel hundreds of miles at Christmas and exchange mountains of unwanted gifts wrapped in wasteful packaging. These traditions are far more harmful to the planet.