Dream of a Green Christmas This Year
by Trey Granger
Published on November 10th, 2006
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Chesterfield, MO—While communities nationwide celebrate “America Recycles Day” next week on November 15th, the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) and Earth 911, the nation’s portal for environmental action and information, remind America that the spirit of the day can be carried on throughout the year—and that a commitment to recycling and the environment is easily demonstrated by purchasing a real Christmas tree—a renewable and biodegradable resource.
Real Christmas trees are grown as a crop on farms, and new trees are planted every year to replace those harvested. For every tree harvested, up to three seedlings are planted in its place the following spring. Today, there are nearly 500,000 acres of Christmas Trees in the United States, with each acre providing the daily oxygen requirements of 18 people.
And since they are an organic, natural product—not synthetic, factory-made—they can be recycled after the holidays. An estimated 93 percent of all real trees are recycled—either through community programs or in someone’s garden or yard.
More and more communities are operating programs to recycle real Christmas trees, making it more convenient for consumers who need to dispose of the tree after the holidays. Consumers can quickly and easily learn how, when and where to recycle their real Christmas tree thanks to a long-term partnership between NCTA and Earth 911, that makes local recycling information available online at Earth911.com or via a toll-free number: 1-800-CLEANUP.
“Christmas tree recycling is one of the most popular seasonal recycling efforts each year. Earth 911 has greater than 3,800 Christmas tree recycling sites in its database,” said Anne Reichman, Director for Earth 911. “Buying and recycling a real Christmas tree is one way that each individual can positively impact the environment.”
For communities wishing to start a Christmas Tree recycling program, the NCTA also recently published an online guide of ideas and program recommendations on its Web site. As you celebrate the season, make the environmentally-friendly choice in Christmas Trees—a fresh, farm-grown real Christmas tree. And be sure to do your part by recycling it once the season is over.
