As Christmas trees come down across the country, many experts want people to know there are more environmentally friendly options to dispose of the holiday centerpiece. 

The Nature Conservancy reports that around 10 million live Christmas trees end up in landfills annually, leading to slow decomposition that generates greenhouse gases.

Removing ornaments and decorations from the tree allows for environmentally friendly disposal options, such as using the branches for garden insulation and the trunk for firewood.

Repurposing the tree by sinking it in a pond for fish shelter, leaving it in the yard for bird habitats, or donating it to local farms for livestock feed can benefit wildlife and the environment.

Some communities collect Christmas trees post-holiday to fortify sand dunes, counter erosion, or provide free mulch to homeowners, offering sustainable disposal options.

To find local tree disposal programs, individuals can contact their town, county, or state offices or search online for opportunities to contribute to environmental conservation efforts.  

https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/christmas-tree-landfill-alternatives/3869448/