Christmas Tree-cycling

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a great holiday season and that the New Year will provide a fresh perspective. Speaking of fresh perspectives, I thought I would share some interesting information with you.

If you haven’t done so already, today is the last day to drop off your Christmas tree for recycling. Locations can be found here.

Consider leaving your tree in an out-of-the-way corner of your yard. It’s a great shelter for birds and you and your kids can have fun decorating it with popcorn and berry strings to attract them. If you want to attract a wide variety of birds, check outthese suggestions for feeding birds in the winter.

Cut off large branches and place them over perennial gardens for some extra insulation. Branches are easily removed in the spring (right into your compost pile). They also can be placed in Omaha’s yard waste collection in spring for city composting.

The city is working with Scrap Central to recycle worn out strings of Christmas lights and extension cords. Please bring only lights and cords; all boxes, bags, and other material must be removed. You can recycle them at 2728 N. 85th St. through Jan 20. They are open 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Saturdays. All proceeds will benefit Susan G. Komen Nebraska.

Just for fun, check out these Goat Grazers in Nevada. Trees were being dumped in places where people assumed they would break down or be sent to landfills, both of which created a fire hazard. This family of goats eats the trees, which are high in vitamin C, “naturally recycling” the trees and decreasing the risk of wildfire.

I see London, I see France. I see someone’s Christmas tree? Yes, that’s right, a company in France has found a way to turn Christmas trees into lingerie! Needles, bark, and wood are treated with an enzyme to turn the once prickly substance into a soft fabric suitable for undergarments. They use an enzyme process instead of chemicals and the fabric is said to be better at wicking moisture away than cotton! I haven’t vetted the process, but I like that they are thinking outside the box.

Finally, did you get new electronics resulting in old electronics that need recycling? This Saturday a collection will be held, and the proceeds will benefit the Ronald McDonald House. Check out their website for more information.