I do get sad when I have to take the decorations down, but when it is time to undeck the halls, it means it is also time to Bring One for the Chipper.
Live trees are a renewable resource, so you can feel good about using a live tree as long as you recycle it.
Please don’t just toss that tree into the trash. On Jan. 9, we will chip trees into mulch or give them for fish habitat in ponds.
Bring One for the Chipper is part of a statewide effort that began in 1991. Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation spearheads the project statewide. Locally, the event is sponsored by Keep Liberty Beautiful, Georgia Power, Georgia Forestry Commission, Liberty County Public Works Department, Fort Stewart Recycling Program and Brewer’s Christmas Tree Farm.
Why do we do it?
• To promote awareness about the benefits of trees. Trees help clean the air and keep the air cool. We also give out seedlings for each tree turned in.
• To raise awareness about environmental concerns. Recycling is one of the easiest ways to make a positive difference for our environment. If you have never recycled, start with your tree.
• To increase citizen involvement in solutions to reduce solid waste. You and I are the solution to waste reduction. Our choices about what we buy and what we use, and then how we dispose of items, determine how much waste accumulates. I don’t think you want to live in a “trash world” any more than I do.
• To produce mulch for home and community projects for soil enhancement and erosion control. By mulching the trees, we can offer free mulch to citizens to enhance their landscape and to prevent soil erosion.
• To give out tree seedlings, and vegetable seeds this year courtesy of Ferry-Morse, for planting in exchange for recycled trees.
From now to Jan. 9, we have locations where you can turn in trees. Citizens in Hinesville can have their undecorated trees picked up by OMI. If you are unable to join us on Jan. 9, you can deposit your tree in designated spots at any Liberty County Solid Waste Convenience Center or Recycling Drop off Center:
• 25 South Dairy Road (Highway 196, Gum Branch)
• 156 Pate Rogers Road (Fleming)
• 836 Limerick Road (near Lake George)
• 64 Left Field Road (Highway 84, Miller Park)
• 619 J V Road (west of Hinesville)
• 50 Isle of Wight Road (Midway area)
• 344 Fort Morris Road (near Sunbury)
• 111 Carter Road (behind Poole’s Deli)
• 129 Sandy Run (off Highway 84)
• 941 E G Miles Parkway (Highway 196 at Training Center)
• Walthourville Public Works site
• 4000 Coastal Highway (Hwy 17 in Riceboro)
• Fort Stewart PX
• Main location: The Liberty County Health Department
The chipping day will be at the Liberty County Health Department at the corner of Highway 84 and Patriot’s Trail. On Jan. 9 we’ll be there from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. You’re welcome to join in the fun. All participants will receive dogwood seedlings and vegetable and flower seeds in exchange for each tree brought in, while our supplies last.
All trees dropped off must be undecorated and free of binding. Georgia Power provides the equipment and manpower to mulch the trees. Any decorations can cause problems.
The program has environmental benefits for our county and the 120 other Georgia communities that participate. Give this gift to nature. For information, contact Keep Liberty Beautiful at 880-4888 or klcb@coastalnow.net go to www.keeplibertybeautiful.org .
Swida is director of Keep Liberty Beautiful.