You may think that the options for Christmas tree recycling are relatively limited, but Christmas trees can be reused for a variety of purposes.

Let's look at five ways to recycle those once-a-year houseguests back into the natural world or reuse them as reminders of the holidays...

Certainly don't let our list be your limit . . . find other creative, eco-friendly ways to reuse this green gift of the holiday season. We'd love to hear your ideas!

• At home, cut trees can be chipped and used for mulch or they can be used in entirety for wildlife habitat enhancement or erosion control.
• Most local municipalities and some organizations, such as your local Boy Scouts of America group, offer curb recycling for Christmas trees (usually trees must be stripped of all holiday adornments).  These trees are often used for local conservation projects like providing mulch for parks in your area.
• Enter your zip code to search the Earth911 Treecycle database for local centers that accept Christmas trees.
• If tree recycling is not currently offered in your area, learn how to create a program by reading the Earth911 Guide to Starting a Christmas Tree Recycling Program.
• Reuse the branches of your tree to create wreaths for adorning your home or for friends and family to enjoy.  You can also separate the needles from the branches and pack them into sacks to create tree-scented sachet-bags that will keep the fresh smell of Christmas trees lingering in the air long into the new year.

For information about how to care for a small, potted tree that you plan to keep throughout the year, click on over to The Great Christmas Tree Debate.

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