5 Ways to Repurpose or Recycle Your Christmas Tree
The festive season for 2019 -2020 has now officially come to an end. The parties are over, the leftovers from Christmas dinner have finally been finished and there are more needles from your Christmas tree on the floor than the tree itself. So, how can you repurpose or recycle your Christmas tree and get a flying start to your green new year’s resolutions?
1. Leave it up
If your tree is live and potted with roots, then keep it and enjoy it year-round. Remove the decorations (maybe leave some white fairy lights) and either plant it outside or have it as a permanent honorary member of your indoor plant collection.
2. Freshen up your home
If you love the smell of pine in your home, then why not make a homemade pine potpourri to freshen up your space. Collect the pine needles from your tree. Then add small pieces of the tree stump too along with other winter spices such as cinnamon sticks, cloves and dried orange peel. You can also scent your home by boiling pine needles.
The Earth Friendly Way also has the recipe for a homemade pine infused vinegar cleaner which you can find here. A great planet-friendly substitute for commercial cleaning products.
3. Get Crafting
Repurposing bits and bobs is one of our favourite things to do as it requires arts, crafts and of course creativity!
Cut the trunk of your tree into slices and depending on its size, you can use them for a number of things. Make coasters or use the discs to line your flowerbeds or to create paths in your garden. The branches can be used as natural stakes to support other plants too. The green branches can be placed on and around flowerbeds to protect and insulate your perennials from winter frost.
You can also replant your dead or dying tree outside and hang it with bird feeders or seed balls to help your local bird population!
4. Donate it to your local animal centre
Yes really! Many animal sanctuaries and goat farms accept old Christmas tree. They use them for the animals to use as scratching posts or toys. Or in the case of goats, to nibble on!
5. Turn it into mulch, compost or chippings
The benefits of using a real tree for Christmas is that it is 100% biodegradable! So, once Christmas is over, you can break it down into smaller pieces and add them to your home compost pile.
If you don’t have a compost pile or garden space, then many local councils across the UK and beyond offer free collections/ drop off points for undecorated, unpotted trees throughout January. The trees are shredded to make chippings, which are then used in local parks or outdoor areas. Check where your local drop off point is or when the tree collections are scheduled for in your area.
Can’t find anything from your local council? Then call a local garden centre, allotment site or recycling centre and see if they have any tree recycling programs.
Stay on top of your New Year’s Resolutions
Reach your green goals in 2020 and download the Earth Rewards app. Available on Google Play and App Store, start this year off strong and join our growing community of Eartherz!