Throwing out the Christmas tree? Here are the alternatives to landfill

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illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Euronews or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Each year, an estimated 10 million live Christmas trees are discarded into landfills, where they decompose slowly and emit potent greenhouse gases
• Environmental groups and local authorities are urging households to choose reuse, composting, or recycling options instead of disposal

🔭 The context: When buried in landfills, Christmas trees break down anaerobically, producing methane and carbon dioxide while taking years to decompose
• According to The Nature Conservancy, this process also risks contaminating groundwater, turning a seasonal tradition into a persistent climate burden

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Diverting trees from landfill directly reduces methane emissions and supports circular use of organic material
• Reused trees can improve soil health, provide wildlife habitat, and even strengthen coastal dunes — natural “blue carbon” systems that store significant amounts of carbon and protect communities from erosion and flooding

⏭️ What’s next: Cities across Europe and North America are expanding post-holiday tree collection schemes, turning trees into mulch, compost, or erosion-control tools
• Environmental groups are also encouraging households to plan ahead—choosing local recycling options or creative reuse as part of more sustainable holiday practices

💬 One quote: “Christmas trees can take years to break down in landfill, but they can deliver real environmental benefits if reused properly,” environmental advocates told AP

📈 One stat: About 10 million Christmas trees are sent to landfill each year, according to conservation groups

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