Comments on: Portland Oregon to Sell “Green” Christmas Trees

By: Buck

Buck — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 01:21:59 +0000

I think you either unintentionally or intentionally miss the point of what it means to have a “green” Christmas tree or maybe what it means to understand conservation, climate change and the myriad of other environmental or social problems (as I read some of these comments). I have not read the article on Portland’s efforts but from scanning your blog entry, a “green” Christmas tree means no pesticides or fertilizers were used or used at a minimum in addition to folks not cutting down more trees just to plant a Christmas tree field. I consider myself to be moderate but still can understand these issues and their importance. Surely some ideas are ridiculous but many are not. 25, 10 or even 5 years ago integrating solar or wind power into the home power was seen as hippieish and ridiculous just like driving a hybrid was. However, it has turned out that many Americans are green and are willing to work hard no matter what their beliefs are. On the wetlands comment – once a wetland is removed it cannot be replaced unless money is put in to deconstruct whatever construction project replaced it. The loss of our wetlands is an issue – one which duck hunters and non-hunters have come together to save. It is not some elaborate scheme to stop development. Otherwise, let’s just pave the whole world and have no more water, trees, oil or anything to keep developing. It is about saving wisely so we can still develop…

By: How Green is Your Christmas Tree and How Angry is This Blogger? « PDX PIPELINE

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 07:18:49 +0000

[...] Even though this guy seems to be crying in his granola about it, Christmas trees will be grown and cut down. Because of this, environmentalists, loggers, and business need to come together to make it as least damaging to the environment as possible. Thank you Portland/Oregon for doing something in this area. (Now, quit delivering me phone books) [...]

By: mpinkeyes

mpinkeyes — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 04:02:17 +0000

Well, I believe this whole global warming thing is a hoax. And that this whole wetlands preservation thing is just designed to halt progress and slow capitalism so that Americans find it harder to make it on their own and have to become dependent on the government.
I say plow in the wetlands and spray pesticides all over the land, these will both help to stop the mosquitoes from spreading disease such as EEE, which kills people.
As far as worker safety goes, when you take any job you know the risks involved, if the risks aren’t worth the pay, find another job.
So, if you put two trees next to each other for the same price, one was green and the other wasn’t, I would chose the one that wasn’t just on principle.
Hell, I would pay more for the environmentally hostile one. I can be a dick like that.

By: Jordan Lund

Jordan Lund — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 12:53:56 +0000

As with any industry there are environmentally friendly ways of doing things, and environmentally hostile ways of doing things.

Here’s the bit from the article you didn’t quote:

“To pass muster, a farm must be inspected to ensure that it meets certain standards for managing wetlands, nutrients and pests. Water and soil conservation measures are reviewed, and biodiversity and worker safety are also considered.”

Hmm… so they’re checking for water run-off management, pesticide management, erosion management and worker safety. Sounds pretty reasonable to me.

If you had a choice between a tree that was responsibly raised and one that was not, assuming the cost difference was the same, which would you choose?

By: mpinkeyes

mpinkeyes — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:40:14 +0000

Just wait a few minutes, something nore ridiculous will come along.
Maybe I will look into the contest idea, for a small fee contestants will be able to find out who is the greenest. I can give out carbon offsets to a company I create and in return plant a bush to help them feel better.

By: A Green Christmas? « Pro Patria

A Green Christmas? « Pro Patria — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 23:28:16 +0000

[...] once standard window nativity scenes with “green scenes,” to Portland promoting “green Christmas trees” (seriously)… Green is invading our holiday, and [...]

By: arclightzero

arclightzero — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 19:53:20 +0000

Wow, that is absolutely one of the most ridiculous things I have ever heard of. Of course, out in Oregon it’s probably a hit since many of the weirdos out there are drooling all over themselves to see who can be more green.

Maybe that’s how you can cash in on the nuttiness. You can try to figure out a way for people to gauge their green lifestyles and then compare themselves to others. You can create some sort of contest where neighbors can go head to head to see who can be more green. Cash in on it and get a good laugh too. As long as people don’t start mainstreaming the greening of their sex lives, I think we’re ok