FRA Endorses the Use of Real Christmas Trees

FRA has endorsed reports from a sustainability expert in Canada, claiming that buying a real tree is a much better choice, from a sustainability perspective, than opting for a fake tree.

Seattle, United States, December 18, 2012 -- Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has endorsed reports from a sustainability expert in Canada, claiming that buying a real tree is a much better choice, from a sustainability perspective, than opting for a fake tree.

Artificial plastic trees would need to be kept for many years to ensure that the carbon emitted in their production is saved. However, most of them head to landfill within a few years. Steve Mitchell, a lecturer on sustainability issues at the University of British Columbia, stated, "Artificial trees need to be kept for 20 years for the carbon emissions to be equivalent to using natural trees." He cited evidence from a study carried out by sustainability consultancy Ellipses in 2009.

FRA's analysis partner, Peter Collins, said, "There are, of course, many choices to make when it comes to buying a real tree, with some options being more eco-friendly than others. However, providing you choose a Christmas tree from a sustainable plantation, you are likely to make a greener choice than if you go with an artificial tree."

FRA claims that it is always a good idea to try to buy your Christmas tree from as close to your home as possible, to minimize the carbon emissions from the transport of the tree. Wild trees can be an option for some people, but it's recommended that you check the local laws on using wild trees in your area.

Another green option is to buy a Christmas tree with a root ball still attached so that it can continue to grow after Christmas. "Planting your Christmas tree in your yard after the festive season is over is a lovely thing to do and you might even get more than one Christmas out of the same tree," added Mr Collins.

FRA supports sustainable forestry investment and proved research and advisory services for those thinking of investing in forestry or timberland, through firms like Greenwood Management, which operates sustainable Christmas tree plantations in Canada.

About Forestry Research Associates

Forestry Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry investment around the globe.

Media Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
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AAA: Asian Real Estate Investments are Booming

Asian investors are extremely positive about the outlook for real estate in the region, according to AAA.

Boston, MA, USA, December 18, 2012 -- Asian investors are extremely positive about the outlook for real estate in the region, according to Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The alternative investment advocacy group was keen to endorse the findings of the recent Colliers 2013 Global Investor Sentiment Survey. The survey found that 70 per cent of Asian investors said they planned to increase their investment in Asia and expand their property portfolio. Some 41 per cent of those questioned about their real estate investments said they expected to achieve returns exceeding 20 per cent.

AAA's analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, said "Return on investment totalling 20 per cent is incredibly strong, suggesting that real estate in the emerging regions of Asia, such as China and India, is a really great investment for those looking to diversify their portfolios with an alternative investment."

The survey of Asian investors also discovered that 69 per cent of them expect that market conditions in real estate will improve even further in the coming five years, with only 12 per cent expecting the market to decline. There were, however, a few concerns. Some said that it was still difficult to raise capital for real estate investments, while others said that the economic conditions were still a little unpredictable.

With regards to the most popular cities to invest in property, the top five were named as Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo. The growing economies in China have prompted many investors to set their sights on office developments in Central Business District areas.

AAA is a supporter of many kinds of alternative investments, but specialises in endorsement of ethical options, like timberland investment through firms like Greenwood Management. Greenwood runs sustainably managed plantations of non-native timbers in Brazil and Canada. Investors can buy up their own sections of forest and see returns over the medium term.

About Alternative Asset Analysis:
The remit of Alternative Asset Analysis is to analyse and provide news on the global performance of a wide range of alternative asset classes including, but not restricted to, commodities, real estate, forestry, foreign exchange, hedge funds, private equity and venture capital.

Media Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596
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