December 2, 2009

Eco-Friendly Christmas Trees

Take some advice from me,
Make your Xmas eco-friendly.
Be as green as your tree,
Buy one grown organically!

An Ever-So-Green Christmas

When you are deciding upon this year's Christmas tree, be sure to keep Mother Earth in mind by choosing a tree that is as green environmentally as it is in color.

• Organic live cut trees - These trees have been grown without the use of pesticides on farms that employ sustainable agricultural techniques. Tree farms produce atmospheric oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, and utilize otherwise barren and rocky land.
• Organic live potted trees - Organic potted trees can be found at organic nurseries, farmers markets, or at some tree farms. After Christmas they can either be planted in the ground or kept in a pot outdoors, but they usually only have a 50/50 chance of surviving until next year.
• Be sure to recycle your live cut trees. If you do not have the capability to mulch or compost the tree yourself, you can visit www.earth911.org.
• Stay away from artificial trees which are made from non-renewable plastics and petroleum-based products. Furthermore, most artificial trees are manufactured and shipped over seas, which results in a larger carbon footprint.

LocalHarvest.org provides a searchable database to help you find a local organic tree farm or nursery near you.

The National Christmas Tree Association provides you with all you would ever want to know about real live Christmas trees.