In Russia, they began to do this centrally in 2016 (by the way, this tradition has been “living” in Europe for many years). Before handing over the Christmas tree, you need to remove all decorations and tinsel from it. You can break branches, so it will be easier to recycle the tree. Well, then – find the nearest reception point, 2019 of them were opened in Moscow in 460, plus 13 points located in environmental education centers and in natural areas subordinate to the Department of Nature Management and Environmental Protection of the city of Moscow.
A full map with the territorial location of reception points can be viewed here:
The action called “Christmas tree cycle” began on January 9 and will last until March 1. A similar procedure can be performed not only in Moscow, reception points operate in many other cities of Russia. For example, in St. Petersburg, Samara, Saratov, Volgograd, Kazan, Irkutsk – starting from January 15. More detailed information about reception points in your city should also be on the Internet. You can bring for processing Christmas trees, pines and fir trees. It is, of course, convenient to deliver a tree in a piece of polyethylene or fabric, but after that it is better to take it with you.
And what then? When the time comes, a crushing machine will come for pines, firs and spruces. The operator will load the trunks, the conveyor will send them to the threshing machine and in an hour 350 cubic meters of wood will turn into chips. From one average Christmas tree, about a kilogram is obtained. Then various eco-friendly crafts are made from it. Decoupage masters are very willing to buy wood chips to decorate toys, decorative elements for pens, notebooks and other stationery. Wood chips are also used as a decorative topping for paths in parks. Something may go into animal bedding in aviaries.
As for unsold trees, some entrepreneurs traditionally donate them to the zoo. Marmots, capybaras and even elephants use thorny branches as a dessert. Wild cats play with Christmas trees, dragging them from place to place. Ungulates – sharpen their teeth on trunks. Wolves and monkeys make green shelters. In general, no matter how the animals amuse themselves, the old Christmas tree will be useful – the needles are full of vitamin C, manganese and carotene.
But recycling to a collection point, nature reserve, park or zoo is not the only way to “rebirth” everyone’s favorite New Year’s symbol.
If you have a country house or cottage, wood can serve you as firewood for the stove. In addition, you can make, for example, a fence for a flower bed from a sawn trunk or show your imagination.
Do not forget about the beneficial properties of needles. The Christmas tree is not only a magnificent holiday decoration, but also a powerful healer. There are a lot of recipes for using needles. Here are the most popular:
● Coniferous cough inhalations. Take some branches from your Christmas tree and boil them in a saucepan. Breathe in the steam for a few minutes and you will see how quickly your well-being improves;
● Spruce paste for immunity. To prepare a healing paste that helps to cope with flu and colds, you need to take 300 grams of needles, 200 grams of honey and 50 grams of propolis. The needles must first be crushed with a blender, after which all the ingredients must be mixed and allowed to brew. Store the mixture in the refrigerator and take a tablespoon 3 times a day before meals;
● Coniferous mattress for joints. A mattress stuffed with spruce branches will help get rid of back and joint pains.
You see, there are many options! So, if “you took a Christmas tree home from the forest”, let it bring not only joy, but also benefit!