ATLANTA — It's that time of year for sleigh bells ringing, yuletide carols and Christmas trees! Here's a chance to be more sustainable this holiday season after sprucing up the tree.
The Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation, in collaboration with The Home Depot, Davey Tree Expert Company, Georgia Forestry Commission, 11Alive, Ferry Morse Company, and Burpee Seed Company, will host its 32nd annual Bring One for the Chipper "treecycling" event at over 150 locations across the state on Saturday, Jan. 7.
As part of its mission to educate and inspire Georgians every day to improve and beautify their community environments, KGBF leads more than 70 city and county programs in a collaborative effort to end litter, reduce waste, promote recycling, and beautify communities. Since Bring One for the Chipper's inception in 1991, its network has diverted over 6 million trees from local landfills.
"People generally produce up to 25% more waste during the holidays, and Bring One for the Chipper is one way to reduce that impact," said Natalie Johnston-Russell, executive director of KGBF. "It's become a widespread tradition that allows Georgians to celebrate more sustainably."
Trees will be recycled into mulch for playgrounds, city and county landscaping projects, and individual home use, and will also be used to provide habitats for fish and other animals. In addition, Christmas tree recycling programs like Bring One for the Chipper support wider eco-friendly holiday efforts.
According to the National Christmas Tree Association, for each tree harvested, one to three seedlings are planted in its place. Nearly 350 million Christmas trees currently grow on U.S. farms, absorbing carbon dioxide, emitting fresh oxygen, stabilizing soil, protecting water supplies, and providing refuge for wildlife.
"Bring One for the Chipper allows us to feel the magic of Christmas all year long," said Johnston-Russell. "When trees get repurposed into mulch for community gardens or local parks, or provide shelter for aquatic life, they become gifts that keep on giving. We couldn't be more thankful for the volunteers and participants that make that transformation possible."
To participate in this year's sustainable festivities and find a close location, visit here.
Here's a look back at 2021's event:
