People urged to buy Christmas trees with roots to be more environmentally friendly
RESIDENTS are being urged by the council to go green in the festive season by buying a Christmas tree with roots.
This alternative means people can plant their tree out in the garden once Christmas is over to enjoy all year round and then reuse it for next Christmas.
Or if space is an issue, the council will be collecting the unwanted trees and replanting some of them in Merton to enhance the environment.
Merton Council cabinet member for environment and leisure services, Councillor David Simpson agrees the scheme makes both environmental and financial sense.
He said: “Planting your Christmas tree out in the garden will mean you have a tree to admire all year round and, if you keep it clipped, a Christmas tree for the following year.”
“Even if it’s not practical to plant a tree yourself, we will plant it for you in one of Merton’s parks for everyone to enjoy.”
Tree sustainability is an issue long fought for by Christmas tree company, Pines and Needles, who deliver trees throughout London including Merton.
Their Spokesperson was keen to emphasise the benefits of buying and recycling Christmas trees.
“It is estimated that each acre of Christmas trees gives off enough oxygen each to meet the needs of 16 people, this is just one of the reasons why Pines and Needles is committed to helping the environment in every way possible,” he said.
Residents can take their Christmas trees to either of the council’s reuse and recycling centres for composting, where there is a container for green waste.
Or the council will also be collecting trees between Wednesday 6 and Wednesday 20 January 2010.
Residents should place their trees at the front of their property from 6am where it can be clearly seen from the road, but not on the pavement.
For trees not collected by January 20, residents can call 020 8274 4902.
With so many options open to Merton residents, a sustainable Christmas tree should definitely be on the cards this Christmas.
