The Christmas tree debate: real vs. artificial
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The OFA has always been a strong supporter of real Christmas trees. Artificial trees don't quite compare to a real one when it comes to looks or smell. More importantly, it seems as though real Christmas trees may actually be the more environmental choice. A study done in February 2009 looked at a very thorough assessment of real versus artificial trees. While each has their own advantages, the real conclusion seemed to be that real trees are the more "green" choice. Not only do the trees sequester carbon during their growth, they are also biodegradable, provide important habitat during the growth of the tree, and are a renewable resource. For the entire report, click here. Source: "Comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Artificial vs Natural Christmas Tree". Couillard, S., Bage, Gontran, and J.S. Trudel. Ellipsos. February 2009.
Visit Focus on Forests for lots of great forest facts, including our Christmas Tree Fact sheet!
Click here to find a Christmas Tree Farmer near you! |
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We have moved!
The Ontario Forestry Association and Trees Ontario have moved into our new offices. We are excited at the opportunities that will unfold as a result of this move. Please update your address books!
New Address: 144 Front Street West, Suite 700, Toronto ON, M5J 2L7
Ontario Envirothon Champions finish 2nd in New Brunswick!
From July 24th-29th fifty-four teams from across North America gathered at Mount. Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick to compete in the 2011 Canon Envirothon. After winning the provincial Envirothon competition in May, West Hill Secondary School (pictured below) went on to represent Ontario in New Brunswick. After several days of workshops, tests and an oral presentation it was announced that West Hill Secondary School finished in second place! Each member of the West Hill team was awarded $4,000 in scholarships courtesy of the Canon Envirothon. A well deserved congratulations goes to the West Hill team and their adviser!
Photo courtesy of Canon
2011 Ontario Envirothon Season!
From May 4th to 7th, the Tim Horton Onondaga Farms hosted the 2011 Ontario Envirothon Provincial Competition. The event saw close to 100 students from across the province come together and compete in one of the only outdoor environmental competitions for high school students. Students participated in hands on workshops focused on soils, aquatics, forestry, wildlife and freshwater estuaries. Students took part in projects helping to restore the natural beauty of Cootes Paradise and Princess Point in Hamilton through prairie grass, invasive species removal, and tree and shrub planting. 21 schools from 21 different regions in Ontario went head to head in testing to become Ontario Envirothon Champions. Congratulations go to West Hill Secondary School, who will go on to represent Ontario at the Canon Envirothon in Sackville, New Brunswick. For photos from the event, visit our Facebook Group- Ontario Envirothon!
The Ontario Forestry Association supports the Back to Nature Positioning Statement
A connection to the natural world is fundamental to all aspects of child development and is a key component to building optimal mental, emotional, social and physical health for every child. This critical link also represents a key building block for the future of a sustainable society.
Research shows that when we foster a child's connection with nature, the child flourishes: child obesity decreases, bullying rates decrease, child injury rates decrease, while academic achievement rises, physical activity rates increase, attention spans improve, physical and cultural barriers melt away and environmental stewards of the future emerge.
More work needs to be done by our government, our educational institutions, our communities, our families and individuals to develop and support the natural spaces and initiatives necessary for our children to thrive and the research to guide us as we make these important changes. Connecting our children to nature needs to be a provincial and national priority.
Click here for an expanded version of other organizations that also support the Back to Nature Positioning Statement.