Submitted by the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation
As the holidays wind down, you may find yourself in a spirit of renewal. Perhaps you craft a list of resolutions or set aside items to donate. You might even get creative with an upcycling project or two. Have you ever thought about extending that same consideration to your Christmas tree?
Over the past 33 years, the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation (KGBF) has helped residents recycle over six million trees across the state through its “Bring One for the Chipper” program. Some become mulch for playgrounds and other landscaping projects, while others get sunk into lakes to create fish habitats. It’s a fun way to extend the magic of December while keeping the environment in mind.
Partners such as The Georgia Forestry Commission, The Home Depot, The Davey Tree Expert Company, 11 Alive, Ferry Morse Seed Company, and Burpee Seed Company supply chipping services, drop-off locations, media promotion, and more. The Georgia Forestry Commission even provides complimentary tree seedlings for interested participants. Tens of thousands of dogwoods, red cedars, red maples, white oaks, and other species have been planted by residents since the event launched in the 1990s, increasing urban and rural tree canopy.
And the sustainability doesn’t stop there. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, nearly 350 million Christmas trees currently grow on U.S. farms, absorbing carbon dioxide, emitting fresh oxygen, stabilizing soil, protecting water supplies, and providing refuge for wildlife. For each tree harvested, one to three seedlings are planted in its place, making them a renewable resource. When people purchase them, they also support local economies.
So what are you waiting for? Visit www.kgbf.org to find a ‘treecycling’ location near you. KGBF will host over 120 event sites this year from the mountains to the coast, and although the main date falls on January 6, many communities accept drop-offs before or afterward. We hope to see you there!