“No one loves a Christmas tree on March the 25th,” Shel Silverstein wrote. I love the guy, but he got this one wrong; a tree might be out of place in your living room come spring, but it could be doing a lot of good elsewhere!
It's a little early to be thinking about putting away the holiday décor, but if you're using a real Christmas tree this year, be sure you know when and where it can be recycled. Earth 911 can help you locate nearby recycling centers or even landfills with seasonal programs which help keep trees out of the dump. Typically, old trees are recycled into mulch ”which helps new plants grow, and the cycle continues.
This season, Home Depot is working with local authorities to run its Christmas tree recycling program: several Dallas-area Home Depot stores will serve as drop-off locations for Christmas trees. It’s a free service, but you’ll need to “[remove] all tinsel, ornaments, lights, nails and tree stands before dropping off your tree.” The service will run between December 26, 2011 and January 2, 2012. For more information, call 311.
More of the DIY type? Check out this article for suggestions on using your old tree to give nature a boost right in your own backyard. You can also turn the needles into potpourri or scented sachets (they make great gifts!).
Your Christmas tree's been giving your family such joy this season, and the fun doesn't have to stop. This year, recycle or reuse your tree; it's a post-holiday activity that's truly ever-green!
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