Eco-XMAS Trees!! by Liora Leah

The Holidays are almost here! How about an eco-friendly Christmas Tree this year? Here are some resources to guide you:

1) Annual Question: http://www.grist.org/advice/ask/2004/12/08/umbra-tree/

What should we get this year, a fake tree or a real tree? A cut tree or a live tree? The most eco-friendly tree: Avoid plastic trees made from petroleum, and buy a real tree from a small-scale sustainable (organic) grower to avoid pesticides and herbicides. If you live in a city or if an evergreen tree is inappropriate to your landscape, buy a cut tree and recycle it after the Holidays. If your environment can support a live tree, be sure to plant it with care after the Holidays! Or, consider not buying a tree at all and decorating an outside tree as an alternative or donating to nonprofit organizations that plant trees to restore the environment.

2) Simple Solution: http://www.care2.com/channels/solutions/home/341

Eco-benefits of tree recycling. Why buying a live Christmas tree with roots is an eco-friendly Christmas tradition. How Christmas tree farms benefit the environment. When Christmas trees are not eco-friendly.

3) RECYCLE YOUR TREE!

If you have a cut tree, please be sure to MULCH, COMPOST, or RECYCLE it after the Holidays, instead of putting it out in the garbage where it will end up in a land fill.

Ideas and how to's: http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/christmas_tree.html or http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/1994/12-9-1994/xmas.html AND

Green Your Holidays! http://earth911.org/green-your-holidays/ to find out more about recycling, find a tree recycling center near you! Just put in your Zip Code and go!! http://earth911.com/news/2009/12/21/5-step-treecycling-guide/

4) Alternatives: Don't buy a tree, and instead

Decorate your outside trees to attract and feed winter birds and other wildlife: http://www.nwf.org/backyard/

5) or consider donating your time/money to:

American Forests http://www.americanforests.org/
American Forests works to protect, restore and enhance the natural capital of trees and forests. Healthy forests filter water, remove air pollution, sequester carbon, and provide homes for wildlife. Help plant trees to restore areas damaged by wildfire, where critical wildlife habitat has been lost, and to clean our air and water.

Heifer International: http://www.heifer.org/ourwork/our-work Give a tree in honor of friends and loved ones and bring hope and opportunity to a family in need. Trees are planted to restore eroding hillsides, replenish the soil with nitrogen and serve as wind breaks.

Trees for the Future: http://www.plant-trees.org/about.htm
Trees For The Future is an organization that has been the steward of planting trees throughout the world since the early 70's. Their mission of sustainable agroforestry thoughout the world involves planting trees on degraded lands to minimize soil erosion, supply forage for animals, and provide a source of fuelwood.

Thanks for Going Green!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Liora Leah