DC’s Greener Christmas Tree
- by Brandon Fuller on Thursday, December 3, 2009
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Today, President Obama, and a diverse group of guests that included Santa Claus, lit the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse of the National Mall.
Ordinarily, a giant Christmas tree like this one is cut and transported from its original home to its new home where it stands until after the holidays when it is recycled for mulch, paper, etc. This is true of the Congressional Christmas Tree and the tree in Rockefeller Center.
The National Christmas Tree is different. This majestic Colorado Blue Spruce was actually planted on the Ellipse in 1978, where it lives year-round and is decorated for the holidays. In doing this, the National Park Service is conserving both trees and energy.
The National Christmas Tree is made even more eco-friendly with the addition of energy efficient light bulbs that reduced its energy consumption by 55%.
To learn more about the National Christmas Tree, view upcoming events at the Tree or view each states’ ornament click HERE.
Photo Credit: Flickr CC User Ryan Orr
Sphere: Related ContentAbout the Author
Brandon Fuller has written 178 stories on this site.
Brandon Fuller works at the intersection of environmental policy and communications. Currently, he publishes a blog on environmental issues and green living that has been featured in the Washington Post Express, Washingtonian.com, GreenPlanet.com and more. He is also a member of the advisory committee for CarbonFreeDC, a grassroots initiative dedicated to mobilizing DC-area residents to dramatically reduce local carbon emissions. He recently earned a law degree in environmental law and policy and has served as both a Law Clerk and Legislative Assistant for the State of Florida.
