Following the tradition of over a quarter-century, New Orleans is calling on its residents to once more turn their holiday cheer into environmental action by participating in the annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program. The initiative, aimed at bolstering the region's wetlands, is especially relevant given the ecological challenges faced by such areas. As part of the effort to fight against coastal erosion, residents can contribute their Christmas trees to a program that has seen the restoration of an area of marshland equivalent to about 200 football fields.
Indeed, the endeavor goes beyond mere conservation, with Mayor LaToya Cantrell highlighting the role of community cooperation in combating natural disasters like storms and hurricanes. "Our annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program is a powerful example of how we can work together to restore and protect our wetlands, which are critical for our resilience against storms and hurricanes,” Cantrell stated in a release by the City of New Orleans. Acknowledging the community's dedication, Cheryn Robles, Environmental Affairs Administrator for the Office of Resilience and Sustainability (ORS), emphasized that the wetlands serve as the first defense to quickly fend off storm surges and tropical events.
The ORS and Department of Sanitation are coordinating this program, with the aid of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Louisiana Army National Guard. Sanitation Director Matt Torri conveyed his aspirations for the program, aiming "to collect 8,000 trees at a minimum" as a sign of commitment to the continuance of this significant environmental contribution, he informed through a press announcement on the City of New Orleans.
In a bid to make the logistics of tree donation more convenient for individuals, the city has increased the number of drop-off sites and extended the dates for tree collection. Residents can call 311 for curbside pickup, leave their trees at specified locations, or place the trees curbside on predetermined garbage pickup days. It is mandatory, however, for trees to be stripped of all decorations and tinsel to be suitable for recycling. Once collected, the trees are to be expertly sorted and airlifted to designated sections of the Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge, a logistical exercise that also doubles as valuable training for the LANG pilots and crew.
For those looking to contribute, trees can be dropped at Lafitte Greenway on the East Bank or at Bodenger Park on the West Bank starting December 26. For curbside pickup, residents can call 311, and for those in the French Quarter and the Downtown Development District, curbside placement should be done before 4 a.m. on January 9 only.
