It’s about the time of year many of us take down our holiday decorations and get rid of our Christmas trees. Throughout the Chicago area, there are options for recycling your natural trees. Tim O’Connor, executive director of the National Christmas Tree Association, explains the benefits of recycling your Christmas tree.

Back we are three days into the new year So this is right about the time many of Us start to take down those holiday Decorations and get rid of those live Christmas trees and we've been telling You about all the tree recycling options Throughout the suburbs and this Saturday The city of Chicago is going to kick off Its own tree recycling program residents Will be able to drop off their trees at 26 Parks across the city making it just A little more convenient for everyone Depending on where you live joining us Now to talk more about this program and The benefits is Tim O'Connor executive Director of the National Christmas Tree Association Tim good morning to you Good morning all right so somebody's Resolution might be just being more Environmentally aware or environmentally Friendly what are some of the benefits Of recycling your tree instead of just Tossing it Well of course a tree is a product of Nature they're grown on a farm uh so They're ready to go back to Nature when You're done using them as a Christmas Tree and the best way to do that of Course is by recycling it if a tree does End up in a landfill it will allow the Grade But typically landfill operations don't Want Christmas trees they just take up a Lot of volume and there's a far better

Environmental solution to recycling them In whatever way is possible locally So Tim besides this program that the City has if someone wants to recycle Their tree what are some other options That they have to be really green in Disposing of their Christmas tree Well of course recycling programs are Managed by local authorities so it's Unique to each Community what they offer The most frequently offered program is Mulching where trees are either pick up Or delivered to a site and then they're Turned into mulch where I live that's What our Park District does the mulching And they use the mulch in the Parks and They make the mulch pile available to Anybody who wants to come and pick it up For free to use it at their home so That's a great way to use trees but There are a number of other things in Areas where there are erosion issues Like sand dunes and stream Banks the Trees get used to help hold the soil or The sand in place they can stake down And begin to collect and hold the sand That might be an option along the lake I Don't know you'd have to you have to Learn locally whether that's available Also another way that trees get used It's kind of unique in an area with Lakes is they get put out on the ice and Then when the ice melts the trees Submerge and they become a habitat full

Of fish to lay their eggs in and stay Safe from predators so again there's a Whole lot of different ways that trees Can be recycled and it's all a matter of What's available in your area okay and I Heard today that sometimes it could be Used for feeding as well for some Animals is that true have you heard About that You know it's possible uh deer certainly Love to eat Christmas trees when they're Growing that's an issue that Growers Have to manage around and so it could be That they will eat them after they've Been used I'm not aware of a program That offers them the seating but Interestingly you can go on the internet And find places where zoos give them to The animals to play with and you can see Lions and bears wrestling with them and You can see elephants parading around And carrying them it's kind of cool oh There's so many ways it's scary is a Tree I love it and useful repurposing of A Christmas tree that'll help the Environment and give a nice animal a toy It's good I think Tim is just like Reframing your brain right to say this Can be used for something else so we Appreciate you being with us Tim O'Connor executive director of the National Christmas Tree Association Happy New Year Thank you and same to you Happy New Year

Sports Events Culture in Chicago

When it comes to sports events in Chicago, the city has a unique culture that is well-loved by fans and athletes alike. With numerous awards and accolades, the Chicago sports scene is a reflection of the city’s renaissance and its commitment to providing high-quality entertainment to its residents. Here are some fun things to do this weekend in the Windy City!

It may seem like a surprise, but the city of Chicago is a proud supporter of the Chicago Cubs. The team is well-loved by fans for its strong tradition and fervor. Founded in 1857, the Cubs play their home games at Wrigley Field and are a major part of the city’s history.

Although the city is known for its baseball team, the Chicago Bears are also highly-followed. The team has an ongoing partnership with the Chicago White Sox and has also made a significant contribution to the Nerf football program. Besides being a great way to get kids involved, the Nerf program helps to prepare them for high school football.

Another reason the city is known as the “Best Sports City” is its active and passionate fans. Whether it’s the Chicago Cubs or the Chicago Bears, fans are loyal and fierce. This dedication has earned the city several awards, including two years in a row as the best sports city in the world.

For those who want to take part in this year’s Divisional Round, the NFL’s biggest gambling weekend, there are plenty of ways to place your bets. You can check out the event’s website or talk to the venue’s management office for more information.