With the holidays approaching, many people may choose a natural Christmas tree as a departure from the artificial trees they might have used in the past. Today, aromatic, fresh-cut trees and even evergreens that can be “home for the holidays”—and then replanted on your property—are easily found throughout Tennessee. We visited Putnam County’s Mark 4 Christmas Tree Farm and even found a look-a-like Santa at Cumberland County’s Arcy Acres when we went looking for a professional perspective. We found out why real Christmas trees can make your holiday season green in more ways than one.
We think it’s great news that several Tennessee Prisons are choosing to Go Green, and Live Green Tennessee recently visited Sergeant Doug Griffith of the Tennessee Department of Corrections. Griffith explained a recycling program that turns leftover food from five prisons into rich, fertile mulch that’s then used on a 100-acre kitchen garden. The inmates working the farm save the prison system—and you, the taxpayer—money... But more important is the responsibility, the fresh air, and the opportunity to learn practical, employable and life-long skills to help trustees adjust to life upon release.