Alexis Unlimited

Hello World! I thought this appropriate since, as it is the New Year! HAPPY NEW YEAR to all!!! We are now thinking about what to do with that Christmas tree. There are a number of great recycling options that I’ve listed below. I hope this helps you decide how to recycle your tree…

Incredibly Unique Ways to Recycle a Christmas Tree

For nearly a month, your Christmas tree has formed the centerpiece of your holiday celebrations. But now, as the New Year draws near, it’s time to think about what to do with it.

If, like millions of people, you chose a fresh-cut tree, it’s important to think long and hard about recycling. After all, a carbon sucking plant gave its life so that you could honor the pagan tradition of decorating a tree. Just tossing it in your garbage is a depressing waste, especially when there are so many other creative options for you to consider.

Below is a list of the most creative ideas we’ve ever seen for repurposing our Christmas trees. Although most of us will undoubtedly choose number one, the easiest option, the others will warm your heart as well.

1. WATER-SAVING MULCH

Most city governments have some form of Christmas tree recycling

program. Check your city’s official website, or call up your waste hauler if you’re not sure. Instead of just chucking trees into your local dump, they’re transformed into a valuable resource: mulch. It might not be as glamorous as the other ideas on this list, but mulch keeps plants healthy and helps conserve soil moisture in public gardens and parks — and there’s nothing boring about that.

2. COASTAL EROSION DEFENSE SYSTEM

According to Louisiana news station WLTV, “the state Department of

Natural Resources has provided grants to parishes along the coast that use recycled Christmas trees to help protect wetland areas by slowing wave action and erosion” for the past 17 years. Volunteers in boats place collected Christmas trees into pre-constructed shoreline fences where they slow wave action and help reduce erosion.

3. BUILDING MATERIALS

Okay, you might not be able to choose this for your own Christmas tree, but

it’s still one of the coolest stories we’ve heard all year. You know that massive Christmas tree they erect every year at Rockefeller Center? Each year it’s donated to Habitat for Humanity and transformed into lumber used to build homes for those in need.

4. GIANT AIR FRESHENERS

Even dried-out old Christmas trees carry a wonderful piney scent.

Using trees found on the streets of North Brooklyn, artist Michael Neff created a giant air freshener/modern art installation under a bridge in BQE. It’s a strange juxtaposition of life and death, greenery and concrete that’s not to be missed.

5. CAR PARTS

This is another idea you might have trouble executing on your own, but it was too good not to mention. The Lincoln Motor Company is working on a tree-based, renewable alternative to fiberglass for use in auto parts. Called “Cellulose Reinforced Polypropylene” the material is about about 6% lighter, and could decrease the reliance on less environmentally friendly fiberglass parts. But it’s only green if they use recycled trees, hint hint.

I find this to be very good information for those of you who now need to figure out what you’re doing with your tree. I don’t put up a tree anymore since my cats get into too much trouble with it… 🙂

Have a great healthy day!