Hippie Holiday dilemma: Real or Artificial Christmas tree?

I grew up in a family that took annual trips to the Christmas tree farm to find and cut down the perfect Christmas tree. We hunted and selected a tree that we all agreed on (usually), cut it down, brought it home, decorated it, and discarded it after the holidays. My new hippie alter-ego began to worry this year as the holidays approached: certainly this practice of tree murder could not be considered good hippie practice, could it? I began to consider the other alternative: the artificial Christmas tree. Being raised in a 'real tree family,' I know I am already biased against artificial trees. They don't smell nice, they look the same every year, and you miss out on the tradition of selecting a yearly tree with your family. But what about the benefit of not murdering a yearly tree? Are artificial trees more eco-friendly? One family can purchase one artificial tree and use it for years and years, saving many trees. But, what about the material? Most artificial trees are made of plastic, and likely made in China. So, made of an oil based substance, manufactured in a far-off land, and shipped here using fossil fuels. Hmmm, starting to sound less and less eco-friendly. And what about the fact that every one of those artificial trees will end up in a dump? Fortunately, the local tree farm answered the question for me. "These trees are grown especially for you. If it weren't for you, the trees would not be planted at all." Unlike tree lots, when you cut a tree down from a tree farm, the only trees being cut down are the ones that are used. I also learned that for every one Christmas tree cut down, three more are planted at this farm, and that these trees were planted in fields in which the soil can't support other crops. Neat! Not to mention real trees are biodegradable and/or recyclable. Many communities offer pick-up services after the holidays. They take your tree, and chip it to be used for mulch. No landfill- woo hoo! Oh, and one of my favorite points is that cutting down a tree helps to support local business. Instead of purchasing an oil-based plastic tree made in a Chinese factory and padding the wallets of the Walton family (or some other corporation) a little more, I chose to support Tree Farmer Brown (no that isn't his actual name). Oh, and I get to keep up the family tradition. Not to mention that wonderful Christmas-y smell. That reminds me- time to go water my tree! Happy Holidays!