Dreaming of a "green" Christmas

RIO RANCHO, N.M. (KRQE) - Each year, millions of Christmas trees brighten up homes and children’s hearts. But after the holiday and the ornaments removed, the once-sparkling tree often gets hauled to the landfill.

This year, resolve to recycle that tree. Communities all over the country have set up recycling programs to turn trees into garden mulch, to become sand and soil erosion barriers along the beach and to create feeding grounds for lake fish. In Rio Rancho there will be tree-cycling from December 26, 2009 to January 11, 2010. Bring your Christmas tree, with all decorations removed the Rio Rancho Sports Complex, at 3501 High Resort Blvd, SE. Trees will be turned into mulch by PNM. Christmas Tree mulch will be available to the community free of charge on a first come first serve basis.

“Recycling your Christmas tree is giving a gift back to the environment,” said Marlene Feuer, Government Affairs Manager of Waste Management. “Mulching a tree provides a protective barrier for the roots of other plants while preventing weeds from growing. The mulch then decomposes, providing the nutrients plants need to thrive.”

According to the National Christmas Tree Association, pine need mulch helps winter soil retain heat. When spring arrives, warm soil encourages early seeding and fast growth. As the season progresses, the mulch stabilizes temperature and moisture, and prevents sunlight from germinating weed seeds.

Before donating a real tree, be sure to remove the tinsel, plastic and other non-recyclable ornaments. Never burn your Christmas tree, even if it is dried out.