it does. it combines the disposable idea of nature. trees are livng being. monkeys are living beings. It is my belief that both are concious beings. they know pain and they know neglect. I also believe that we should not discard trees and other plants, but try to keep them alive, which means, no chainsaw but dig them up and replant them. I bought a synthetic one, because I like to have one, but I don't want to kill a living being because I like christmas lights! Even though I don't like mice and rats, I think even they should be considered as living beings. Tests can be done on cell cultures. I am sure if you suffer from a disease, that you will be glad to test a new med. I know several people who did (with poor results tho)
I wish I had saved the link for the video of the woman who trained her rats to do amazing things! I just heard the local shelter rep -- which won't take rats -- say that they require a LOT of social interaction.
Thank you, Dosamuno. As Ingrid and Malika do below, I see the link.
Related: The experimentation extends far beyond vaccines and continues 24/7 to this day. Meanwhile, the results are questionable at best since animal anatomy is not the same as human anatomy. It's interesting that our culture allows for such madness because "animals are like us" and thus, they can provide cures for humans (false). But, when asked why it's okay to impose such torture on a sentient being, the "experts" say things like "because they're not like us."
Some varieties are compostable! I did not get a tree, but I did decorate my former husband’s tree for him and some of my daughters. I have been composting in one of my daughter’s back yard so I looked up the fir variety and the needles are compostable. You can also make pine needle tea from the needles. 
When I would have a live tree, I cut the branches off and used them for mulch for my large blueberry bed. I'd let the trunk dry for a while and use it as firewood in the fireplace (it's okay to burn softwood in a fireplace as the flue is so big).
On one hand, the trees are a crop; planted, cared for and harvested to yield a living for the tree farmer.
On the other, I hate to see them wind up in a landfill. Pine trees contain a large amount of energy that could be used for fuel in some way. The wife and I have gone the artificial route for no other reason than convenience and clean up.
I haven't put up a Christmas tree for over 20 years. It's not because I don't like them it's because I love trees and feel they deserve to live. I'd rather sit under a live tree and enjoy its loveliness.
I read this book and enjoyed it, but an indigenous woman on Spinster did not like his viewpoint (the whole Western "management" philosophy) and recommended The Secret Life of Trees. I haven't gotten a copy yet.
I’m currently reading, braiding sweetgrass: indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and the teachings of plants. It’s written by an indigenous women and is phenomenal.
I LOVED Braiding Sweetgrass! I am so thankful to the woman who recommended it to me. I think Mickey would really like it, especially her ideas about doing what we can to make a better world.
I read it really slowly to make it last! Now you're inspiring me to read it again; I love rereading books. (And I'm seeing a typo in my comment above, annoying!)
Aww! This year we got a live rosemary bush the shape of a tiny Christmas tree and planted it on the 26th. Trees on the curb (half-alive, limp tinsel pieces losing shine, not to mention these seasonally-grown trees are often sprayed with chemicals) always make me sad, too, and a lot of the plastic ones are quite toxic as well. But no judgement! We all do our best with our given space, budget, preferences, bandwidth and knowledge. A search online for plant-able Xmas trees can help ppl find the right trees for their climate zone, if that interests anyone. ie: https://www.birdsandblooms.com/gardening/growing-trees-shrubs-grasses/8-types-of-christmas-trees/
I still have a Rosemary tree that my sister gave me last Thanksgiving! It’s sitting on the balcony of my apartment since I no longer have a yard. I also use the dried sprigs for cooking or on salads.
so true and I remember thinking that the "post-holiday depression" some people I knew claimed to suffer had a lot to do with all the dead trees lying on the street. something in us, no matter how urbanized we are, recognizes a tree as something other than a commodity. maybe a kindred spirit, maybe a refuge. maybe a being at the same time known and completely not-known.
I am very happy to have two rather newly planted red cedars in my front yard. They are 4 feet or so and will get decorated. I got them for free last fall thru a special project of the Arbor Day Foundation in conjunction with my county agricultural extension.
it does. it combines the disposable idea of nature. trees are livng being. monkeys are living beings. It is my belief that both are concious beings. they know pain and they know neglect. I also believe that we should not discard trees and other plants, but try to keep them alive, which means, no chainsaw but dig them up and replant them. I bought a synthetic one, because I like to have one, but I don't want to kill a living being because I like christmas lights! Even though I don't like mice and rats, I think even they should be considered as living beings. Tests can be done on cell cultures. I am sure if you suffer from a disease, that you will be glad to test a new med. I know several people who did (with poor results tho)
Your sensitivity is very moving. Thank you.
I wish I had saved the link for the video of the woman who trained her rats to do amazing things! I just heard the local shelter rep -- which won't take rats -- say that they require a LOT of social interaction.
Thank you, Dosamuno. As Ingrid and Malika do below, I see the link.
Related: The experimentation extends far beyond vaccines and continues 24/7 to this day. Meanwhile, the results are questionable at best since animal anatomy is not the same as human anatomy. It's interesting that our culture allows for such madness because "animals are like us" and thus, they can provide cures for humans (false). But, when asked why it's okay to impose such torture on a sentient being, the "experts" say things like "because they're not like us."
Some varieties are compostable! I did not get a tree, but I did decorate my former husband’s tree for him and some of my daughters. I have been composting in one of my daughter’s back yard so I looked up the fir variety and the needles are compostable. You can also make pine needle tea from the needles. 
Love all this! :) xx
When I would have a live tree, I cut the branches off and used them for mulch for my large blueberry bed. I'd let the trunk dry for a while and use it as firewood in the fireplace (it's okay to burn softwood in a fireplace as the flue is so big).
This whole reply (and Myriam's) just oozes with coziness!
On one hand, the trees are a crop; planted, cared for and harvested to yield a living for the tree farmer.
On the other, I hate to see them wind up in a landfill. Pine trees contain a large amount of energy that could be used for fuel in some way. The wife and I have gone the artificial route for no other reason than convenience and clean up.
Thanks, George! I never thought of Christmas trees that way but I just can't view them as a "crop" when they are necessary for our sustenance.
Well, there are a lot of Christmas tree farms here in Maine! Some of them are even organic.
I haven't put up a Christmas tree for over 20 years. It's not because I don't like them it's because I love trees and feel they deserve to live. I'd rather sit under a live tree and enjoy its loveliness.
❤
I recommend "The Hidden Life of Trees" by Peter Wholleben. You'll never look at a tree the same way again.
Thank you, Rich, I'm on it! 🙂
I got this book for my Dad, really spoke to me! May need one for myself. Thank you!
I read this book and enjoyed it, but an indigenous woman on Spinster did not like his viewpoint (the whole Western "management" philosophy) and recommended The Secret Life of Trees. I haven't gotten a copy yet.
I’m currently reading, braiding sweetgrass: indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and the teachings of plants. It’s written by an indigenous women and is phenomenal.
Sounds awesome, thank you! So glad you and Susan weighed in on this!
I LOVED Braiding Sweetgrass! I am so thankful to the woman who recommended it to me. I think Mickey would really like it, especially her ideas about doing what we can to make a better world.
🙏🏼💚🌱 I’m down to the last 140 pages I believe and I have been mesmerized and so moved by her words and ideas!
I read it really slowly to make it last! Now you're inspiring me to read it again; I love rereading books. (And I'm seeing a typo in my comment above, annoying!)
Getting this book, thanks to you and Myriam!! xx :)
You and Susan swayed me to get this book, cannot wait. Many thanks! xx
🙏🏼💓Wonderful! I’d love to hear if you enjoy it as much as we did.
Thank you for this insight and tip!
Aww! This year we got a live rosemary bush the shape of a tiny Christmas tree and planted it on the 26th. Trees on the curb (half-alive, limp tinsel pieces losing shine, not to mention these seasonally-grown trees are often sprayed with chemicals) always make me sad, too, and a lot of the plastic ones are quite toxic as well. But no judgement! We all do our best with our given space, budget, preferences, bandwidth and knowledge. A search online for plant-able Xmas trees can help ppl find the right trees for their climate zone, if that interests anyone. ie: https://www.birdsandblooms.com/gardening/growing-trees-shrubs-grasses/8-types-of-christmas-trees/
Thank you, as always, Malika! ❤
I still have a Rosemary tree that my sister gave me last Thanksgiving! It’s sitting on the balcony of my apartment since I no longer have a yard. I also use the dried sprigs for cooking or on salads.
Love it. Rosemary is tasty and medicinal. I love the aroma! xxoo
Same here. I’ve been studying Herbal Medicine for Women for the past seven years. 🙏🏼💚
💗☀️🌱🌦️🕊🌱Wow!! Must be deeply enriching & rewarding.💕🌱
We were given everything we need✨🌱🌼🌺🌻🌸🪷 to heal and thrive🙏🏼
Here, here!!! Yes, sister!
so true and I remember thinking that the "post-holiday depression" some people I knew claimed to suffer had a lot to do with all the dead trees lying on the street. something in us, no matter how urbanized we are, recognizes a tree as something other than a commodity. maybe a kindred spirit, maybe a refuge. maybe a being at the same time known and completely not-known.
❤
I absolutely hate the live tree for Christmas industry.
I am very happy to have two rather newly planted red cedars in my front yard. They are 4 feet or so and will get decorated. I got them for free last fall thru a special project of the Arbor Day Foundation in conjunction with my county agricultural extension.
🌲 👏