Brian Lara on WNYC and yes now's the time of year when those of you who celebrate Christmas

are likely putting up your trees.

I saw the tree stand show up on the street the very day after Thanksgiving as most of you probably have

especially if you're in the city or any shopping area around the region and if you

haven't picked out your tree yet maybe you're engaging in one of the great

debates of the holiday season should you go with a real tree again this year or

finally purchase an artificial one. Real trees have that beautiful pine scent

right and a sense of tradition, yet adventure in a certain way.

You have to go and pick it out, be it in the forest or from a guy with a stand on the corner.

It's more of a family activity when you get a real tree.

It's much more exciting than buying a foe one at Costco or pulling it out of your storage unit,

right?

But watering the tree, sweeping up the fall in pine needles,

making sure your dog doesn't eat the tree, it's a hassle.

Also, what about the environmental cost of cutting down so many trees every year?

Is replacing it with plastic actually a better environmental option?

And while we ultimately can't decide how much effort you're willing to put into your holiday

planning this year, if the environmental impact of your tree is a factor in your decision,

our guests may help you settle this debate.

Joining us now is Bill Olfelder, Forrester, and executive director of the Nature Conservancy here

in New York.

Bill, welcome to WNYC.

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