HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnviroLink - December 20251
Tara Reyes
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To:Tara Reyes
Subject:City of Diamond Bar EnviroLink- December 2025
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December 2025
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Holiday Tree Recycling Program
Residents can recycle their holiday trees through the City’s curbside collection
program, which runs from Dec. 26 to Jan. 10.
Program Details:
o Place your tree at the curb on your regular collection day between Dec. 26 and
Jan. 10.
o Please note that flocked trees (those covered in artificial snow) cannot be
recycled and will be disposed of as regular trash.
o Trees set out after Jan. 10 will be classified as bulky items and will require
special pickup.
Recycling Preparation: Before placing your tree curbside, please remove all
decorations, tinsel, and stands to ensure efficient collection and recycling. Trees do
not need to be placed in plastic bags.
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Choosing a Sustainable Christmas Tree
As the holidays approach, many families face the familiar question: Should we get a
real tree or an artificial one? Real, natural trees offer substantial environmental
benefits and help keep a cherished holiday tradition alive. (For individuals with
medical conditions, it is important to evaluate what works best for you and your
family.)
o Why Real Trees Are the Greener Choice: After the holidays, real trees are
fully biodegradable and recyclable. When chipped, they can become mulch for
gardens, parks, or wildlife habitats. Do not forget to recycle your tree after the
season!
o The Drawbacks of Artificial Trees: Artificial trees are not recyclable. When
thrown away, their plastic and metal components can linger in landfills for
decades or even longer.
Beyond their environmental benefits, many people treasure the tradition of bringing
a real tree home and decorating it with family. The scent, appearance, and ritual
create memories that artificial trees cannot easily replace.
Alternatives to a Real Tree
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o You can rent a tree through companies like the Living Christmas Tree
Company. These services provide a live, potted tree that you return after the
season so it can continue to grow.
o Another option is to decorate an outdoor tree in your yard using wildlife-safe
decorations. Avoid glitter and any materials that could harm birds or other
animals.
Holiday Eco-Friendly Gifts
Skip the chemical “fragrance” labels and make thoughtful gifts that are natural,
affordable, and kind to the planet. Using simple ingredients and your favorite
essential oils, you can create three easy DIY presents:
o Low-Tech Car Air Freshener: Cut felt into any fun shape, add a few drops of
essential oil, and hang it in the car for a natural, long-lasting scent.
o Gardener’s Hand Scrub: Mix gentle soap, sugar, and citrusy essential oils for
a scrub that lifts dirt and softens hardworking hands.
o DIY Essential Oil Cologne: Make a custom scent for someone special with oils
like sandalwood, cedar, or vetiver, blended with witch hazel and water.
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Handmade gifts show you care for your loved ones and the environment. Try making
one this season, and consider starting a new tradition of thoughtful, sustainable
gifting.
'Tis the Season for Home Energy Audits
As Californians transition from cooling to heating season, many households may
notice an increase in their utility bills or find that their aging equipment struggles to
perform effectively. This is the perfect time to examine how your home uses energy.
Before replacing a heater, upgrading insulation, or adding new technology, start with
a simple step: identify where energy waste is occurring. Once you understand the
problem areas, you can prioritize projects based on cost, impact, and urgency.
Here are a few ways to get started:
o Schedule a Professional Energy Audit: A trained auditor will assess your
home’s insulation, air leaks, appliances, HVAC system, and more. You can
request a free audit from Southern California Edison (SCE).
o Try a DIY Audit for a Quick Overview: Simple checks, such as looking for
drafts around windows or inspecting your air filters, can help you identify easy
fixes. The Department of Energy provides some helpful tips for this.
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o Claim a Federal Tax Credit: Energy audits may qualify for up to $150 in tax
credits if completed before Dec. 31, 2025. Be sure to consult a tax professional
to determine the best option for you.
Making a few wise choices now can enhance your home's comfort, reduce your bills,
and ensure that your systems operate efficiently through the colder months.
Celebrate World Soil Day: Caring for the
Ground Beneath Our Feet
World Soil Day, celebrated each year on Dec. 5, reminds us of the importance of
healthy soil. Soil supports our food, filters water, stores carbon, and keeps our
ecosystems functioning. Yet pollution, erosion, and unsustainable practices continue
to degrade it.
How you can help:
o Compost food scraps and yard waste to enrich your soil.
o Choose organic fertilizers instead of chemical ones.
o Avoid over-watering and leave soil undisturbed to prevent erosion.
o Support local or organic farmers who protect soil through sustainable
practices.
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o Reduce plastic use, which helps limit microplastic contamination.
World Soil Day is a chance to appreciate and protect the ground beneath us. Small
actions at home add up to healthier soil and a healthier planet.
Contact Information
City of Diamond Bar
Environmental Services Team
21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765
909-839-7000 | greendb@diamondbarca.gov
For information about this newsletter, contact the
Environmental Services Team at 909-839-7015
or greendb@diamondbarca.gov.
If this newsletter was shared with you, sign up to receive your own
copy at www.diamondbarca.gov/signup and select "EnviroLink
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21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765
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