A few weeks ago 2nd Green Revolution wrote a post about “fake vs. real” holiday symbols. For those of you who decided to purchase real trees, this post contains some thoughts on what to do with them now that the season is over. While rummaging through some old emails, I came across a link to an article from About.com regarding how to dispose of Christmas trees. They outline six options. 

1. Recycle your tree
2. Make your own mulch
3. Provide a bird habitat
4. Provide a fish habitat
5. Help stop shoreline erosion
6. Decorate your house with wreaths and garlands

Most anyone can participate in the first and last suggestions. For those living near a pond, water source, or shoreline, options three, four, and five are unique ways to enjoy your tree year round. About.com provides a link to Earth 911′s extensive database of information for recycling Christmas trees as well as other holiday byproducts. They also suggest ways to reuse other miscellaneous holiday decorations. Another page has a five step guide to ensure that your tree is properly recycled.

1. Ask important questions
2. Be timely
3. Keep it simple
4. Don’t be afraid to spend
5. Recycle it yourself

To search Earth911′s recycling center database, click here and enter the object (in this case Christmas Trees) and your location. PickYourOwnChristmasTree.com also provides links to a number of city and state programs for tree recycling. Here in Denver, the city will pick up trees that are placed on the curb, four feet from the receptacle. However one must hurry. The Denver program, which started on Monday, runs through Friday, January 15th.

- Eric Wilson

[image source: About.com]