Holiday Guide: Where to Cut Your Own Christmas Tree

Area farms offer fresh trees, memorable experiences and an environment-friendly tradition.

Most American households, 48 percent, erect artificial trees during the Christmas holiday, according to Christmas Tree Facts from the University of Illinois Extension. But for the 21 percent who prefer a real tree, there’s nothing better than taking a drive to Christmas tree farm to cut down the perfect one. (In case you are wondering about the rest of the respondents, 32 percent said they do not have a tree at all.) For those who aren’t convinced that real is better, consider the environmental benefits. Artificial trees will last for six years in your home, but for centuries in a landfill, according to the university’s Christmas Tree Facts web page. “Many people still perceive cutting trees down as bad for the environment and that is not …

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Green Living

This Year, Recycle Your Christmas Tree and Holiday Lights

This winter, consider returning your tree and lights to the earth, by donating the greenery for wildlife, or by recycling bulbs.

The evergreen stands tall in the corner, nearly hitting the ceiling. Strands of red, blue and violet bulbs surround it, hanging casually off of its branches. Soon, the lights will be removed, and the trunk will lie on its side by the curb outdoors. If this tree were yours, you would now have new opportunities to give to animals and the earth in the generous spirit of the season: by recycling. If you have a holiday tree or lights, consider recycling as an alternative to other kinds of disposal. Recycling is a relatively simple way to be eco-friendly, in more ways than one. One place to take your greenery for re-use is Glen Ellyn’s Willowbrook Wildlife Center. There, old Christmas trees generally become parts of animal habitats, and animals …

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