FAKE Christmas trees are bad for the environment and for your health, according to Victorian Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings.

It could be a matter of decking your halls with gas and carbon because fake trees lead to the emission of more than double the greenhouse gases of a natural one.

Mr Jennings told The Age emissions from plastic trees were generated during manufacturing, transportation and from the materials used including, PVC, steel and in some cases lead.

Mr Jennings suggested buying a potted Wollemi Pine, an endangered species, to be used each year as a Christmas tree.

“You can save the environment, protect an endangered Australian tree and have a great Christmas all at the same time,” he said.

Environment Victoria sustainable living project officer Domenica Settle also backed the idea of using a living tree.

She said there were many ways to reduce the impact Christmas has on the environment.

Environment Vicotria has produced a guide to having a green festive season for 2010 and beyond. http://www.environmentvictoria.org.au/content/our-guide-greening-festive-season