After the gifts are unwrapped and the tinsel and lights are taken off the tree, many people will haul their trees out to the curb for the landfill.
This is a waste.
While Christmas trees are grown specifically for the holidays, they are used for only a short time, then thrown to the curb.
One way to avoid this is to buy an artificial tree that can be used over and over each year.
However, some enjoy the tradition of packing the family in the car to go cut down their own tree. And, there is that fresh, evergreen smell that many like about a real tree. That smell is what they associate with Christmas.
But, if a family does get a real Christmas tree each year, the best thing to do after they are through using it is to have it mulched.
The Tazewell County Health Department offers several mulch sites through Jan. 15:
• East Peoria: Illinois Central College East Campus, near the truck driver’s training area
• Creve Coeur: Village Hall, 101 N. Thorncrest
• Morton: Freedom Hall, 349 W. Birchwood St.
• Washington: Park district office, 815 Lincoln.
Remove all tree bags, lights, ornaments and tinsel before bringing the tree.
Mulch can be used in a variety of ways. Think green and regift Christmas trees.
East Peoria, Ill. —
