Photo by Gabriel Mauron
The days following Christmas make me sad when the streets are lined with dead trees, endless piles of packaging, and wrapping paper overflowing the garbage bins. Outward signs of the excessiveness of the days preceding. This post is all about what to do with your Christmas tree this year and what to think about next year in terms of friendly ecological holiday options. May your holidays be merry and bright… and GREEN!
- Thousands of cities across the country offer Christmas tree recycling programs. Check Earth911.com or you can drop your tree off at a yard waste facility who will turn your tree into mulch. For more detailed information check out Earth 911 Christmas tree recycling guide.
- Recycled cardboard christmas tree.
- Herb Wreath.
- PLEASE remember to recycle your wrapping paper and packaging. Better idea: Reuse wrapping paper, boxes and bows for future gift giving whenever you can.
- If you do opt for a real tree next year, you can find local organic Christmas trees by looking up farms using your zip code at Local Harvest.
- Wrap gifts in scarves, pillow cases or remnant cloth. With this helpful ‘How to use Furoshiki‘, you can wrap any shaped gift in fabric.
- A rosemary bush can be a perfect Christmas tree for small homes and apartments. They smell wonderful, thrive indoors and can be used as herbs for cooking during and after the holidays.
- Consider a small douglas fir or pine tree with the rootball intact, and plant it once the holidays are over. The tree should only be indoors for a week. If you are considering replanting a potted Christmas tree, read up on these tips.
- Wrap gifts in newspaper, magazine or junk mail. Or the simplicity of a brown box with a pop of color from a handmade felt bow.
