Now that Christmas is only a few days away, you’d normally be up to your ears in wrapping paper and ribbon. This year, instead of creating all that waste this year…take a look at these great sites that have some alternative ideas for making those presents beautiful and Eco-friendly.

National Geographic Green Guide

Focus Organic Ultimate Green Christmas

Celebrate Green

The Daily Green

Learn more about the Coalition and Member, Holiday Tree Farms, by clicking on the link below.

KVAL 13 - Local & Regional News - Video - How “green” is your Christmas tree?*

Holiday fire prevention begins with a fresh, well maintained and well-watered Christmas tree. The Coalition offers the following safety tips this season as you are preparing to buy and set up your Christmas tree;

–Check the tree for freshness before your purchase by gently grasping a branch between your thumb and forefinger and pulling it toward you; you should not see an excessive amount of needles come off in your hand. If you do, the tree is already too dry.

–Make a fresh cut of at least 5cm off the base of the trunk to permit easy water absorption.

–The tree stand should hold at least one quart of water for every inch diameter of the trunk.

–Try making it part of your Christmas tradition to water your tree daily–gather every morning as a family, or assign the role of “Tree Caregiver” to someone.

–Do not add anything to tree’s water.

–Use two separate systems to hold a large tree in place; a tree stand and wires hooked to wall.

–Keep the tree away from electronic appliances and any heat sources.

–Treat the tree and any paper decorations with fire marshal-approved flame retardant.

–Promptly dispose of your tree after the holidays—don’t let it dry out in the house.

–Never burn your tree in the fireplace.

As always, have a safe and Happy Holiday!

Recycling Your Christmas Tree

As part of your “Green Christmas” this year, make sure you are recycling your tree after the holiday. The first step is to remove everything from your tree including tinsel and any ornaments or plastic. Here are a couple suggestions for what you can do!

–If you have a backyard, you can put the tree outside and make a nice little habitat for wildlife and shelter for birds. You can even add little treats!

–Christmas trees make great mulch for gardens and flower beds.

–Call your local recycling center to see if they have a seasonal Christmas tree recycling program. Many cities and towns turn the trees into mulch for use at parks and around trees in the spring.

–If your town doesn’t offer a tree recycling program, try organizing a collection yourself! Here are some tips from Earth 911

If you have any other creative ideas please share them with everyone in the comments section! More green Christmas ideas to come….

Mark Rohlfs and the Coalition were featured in the October issue of Digger Magazine! Check it out by clicking the link below.

“The Real Deal,” Digger Magazine, 2008

Be safe and have fun!

The Coalition urges consumers to buy a real Christmas Tree this season. Here are some things to consider when making your choice this holiday!

—Artificial Christmas trees were recently added to the Center for Health, Environment & Justice’s list of household products containing polyvinyl chloride, or PVC.

—Real Christmas trees decompose rather than accumulating in landfills for hundreds of years and do not emit toxic chemicals when burned. They are often recycled and turned into mulch for use in parks and some states use them for erosion control. Check with your local government for a recycling program in your area.

—Real Christmas trees are natural products of the U.S., contributing to the nation’s economy.

—Real Christmas trees are a renewable resource. They are harvested like any other farm crop, and for every tree that is cut, one to two are planted in its place. They contribute to the environment by providing a habitat for wildlife and creating oxygen.

Happy Picking!!

I see the Coalition as a way for the small farmer to remain relevant and to participate on an even playing field with ‘the big guys.’ If my farm of less than fifty acres can get certified, then anyone willing to do the work required to bring their farm into environmental compliance can certainly join the Coalition, as well as enjoy the benefits of farming certified Christmas trees.

Mark Rohlfs
Santa & Sons Christmas Trees
Los Angeles, CA / Philomath, OR

A native of the Cascade and Coastal regions of the Pacific Northwest, this fabulous fir has gained much deserved popularity over the last 25 years. In fact, it presents a strong case for being the best possible centerpiece of your holiday decor.

The Noble fir is known for it’s picturesque symmetry and beauty. It has long stiff needles that are blue-green but look silver in appearance because of thier slight curve upward. They are especially good for hanging ornaments, particularly hearvier ones that need more room and support, and also keep longer than other varities over the holiday season.

These trees can reach upwards of 200 feet and they are one of the slower growing species.