Don’t throw away that tree!
December 28, 2009It is estimated that the U.S. purchased 28.2 million real Christmas trees this year alone. Instead of just throwing it away there are a number of things you can do that would be so much better for the environment.
1. Recycle your tree. To locate Christmas tree recycling centers and services in your neighborhood, type in your ZIP code at Earth 911.
2. Turn your tree into mulch.
3. Sink your tree into a lake to provide shelter for fish. However, you need to check and make sure it is okay before you do it.
4. Use the branches of your Christmas tree on the flowers in your garden or backyard as protection against winter.
5. Some states use Christmas trees as barriers for their lake and river shorelines, see if you live in a state that does this.
6. Use your tree for art projects like coasters and table displays.
The possibilities are endless.
So, don’t just throw away a perfectly good tree when there is so much more you could do with it. For more ideas, check out the National Christmas Tree Association.
My family has, for several years purchased live potted trees and then replanted them in the backyard after Christmas. Nothing is killed, nothing is wasted and we have a living history of each year to look at all year long.