Recycle Your Christmas Tree
Recycle Your Christmas Tree
Choosing to recycle your tree after Christmas has become a new holiday tradition. According to the Canadian Christmas Tree Growers Association, Canada Harvests approximately 5.5 million Christmas trees annually. When you recycle, not only are you being eco-conscious but you can also reuse the tree chips as mulch to benefit your garden or landscape, or donate it to a tree recycler.
Choose a real tree
According to the Canadian Christmas Tree Growers Association, there are many benefits to choosing the real deal over an artificial tree.
• There are millions of Christmas trees currently growing across Canada, while 80 percent of the artificial trees sold worldwide are imported from China, which negatively impacts the environment through increased transportation fuel and pollution.
• Real trees can be recycled. Artificial trees contain plastic and other materials that can’t be recycled.
• Christmas trees absorb carbon and produce oxygen.
• The Christmas tree industry creates thousands of jobs in Canada’s rural regions and brings a beautiful product to market that is an integral part of our heritage.
• Real Christmas trees are a renewable resource. As the trees are harvested, new ones are already being grown in transplant beds to take their place in plantations.
Ways to recycle your tree
• If you buy a potted tree, you can transplant it after the holiday season to add to your home’s curb appeal.
• You can also place a cut tree in your backyard to provide winter shelter for birds and other wildlife; just make sure it’s carefully secured using a tree stand.
• Chop up your Christmas tree to use as firewood next season. To prevent rot, pile it on a raised rack and cover it with a tarp if outdoors.
• Use a chipper to get a supply of mulch you can use around your landscape or add the chips to your compost pile.
• Add branches to floral arrangements, including flower pots, wreaths and garlands, or consider using needles for pine-scented potpourri.
• Cut branches and boughs to put on the ground to help control soil erosion.
• If you don’t have a recycling use for your tree, consider donating it so it can be turned into mulch, compost or fireplace logs, which are often offered free in the community.
• For information on Christmas Tree recycling programs in your area contact your regional municipality.
4 new ways to be green this holiday season
To help reduce the waste that you generate between Thanksgiving and Christmas, try the eco-friendly tips below.
• Reuse old gift cards and make them into name tags for new gifts. Send e-cards instead of buying new ones. Use old magazines, newspapers and calendars as gift wrap.
• When entertaining, avoid using disposable plates and napkins. Instead, recruit family to help wash and dry dishes.
• Instead of buying holiday decorations for your dinner table, use natural pinecones, leaves, branches and evergreen boughs.
Contact your REALTOR at Coldwell Banker Vantage Realty for more tips and information on your home maintenance and renovations.
Follow