Letter -- Craig Yaussi

Craig Yaussi

In the letter by Gary Knowlton, I can agree only that people should

plant as many trees as possible, but I cannot agree with his comments on

Christmas trees.

Knowlton says thank you to people who have bought an artificial tree,

never understanding an artificial tree is an oil-based product that

cannot be renewed and does not recycle. When its life is over, it sits

forever in the landfill.

I think many people are misinformed about Christmas trees. They feel

it is bad for the environment, and that is not the case. Christmas trees

no longer come from the forest. They are grown on farms throughout North

America.

Fifty years ago, Christmas trees were often cut down in the forest and

not replaced with seedlings. Today nearly all Christmas trees, 98%, are

grown on farms. For every one cut, three more are planted the following

spring. These trees are like any other crops. They are meant to be

harvested, just like vegetables or flowers. They are managed on a

sustainable basis.

It may take 10 years to grow, but during that time these trees produce

oxygen, clean water, provide a habitat for wildlife, and create hundreds

of thousands of jobs.

The bringing into the house of these fresh winter greens is a

beautiful way to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Craig Yaussi is the Glendale YMCA director of financial development.

The YMCA has been selling trees for almost 45 years.