How Huntsville’s Tinsel Trail is also a scene of sustainability

A drive down Church Street can immediately plunge you into the midst of holiday festivities. More than 400 trees have been decorated for Tinsel Trail in Big Spring Park and, even just driving by, it's an eye-catching spectacle.

Tinsel Trail is part of a monthlong holiday celebration attracting thousands of people. The lights, the magic, it's made downtown Huntsville a holiday destination.

But there is another side to Tinsel Trail that's worth celebrating. A Downtown Huntsville Inc. event, there is a conscious effort to make the trail a scene of sustainability.

"We do emphasize sustainability wherever possible," said Rob Buddo, President and CEO of Downtown Huntsville Inc. "Our primary requirement for tree decoration is that participants use LED, outdoor-rated lighting. Solar-powered light systems are welcome as long as they also meet this requirement."

LED lighting, of course, is more energy efficient and does not include toxic materials found in other types of lighting.

The use of small solar panels can capture energy from the sun to power the lights on a tree as well. Several trees at Tinsel Trail use solar panels.

Once the holiday season ends, there is a second life for the trees from a sustainability perspective.

Trees that have not been painted in the decorative process will be brought for mulching to the Christmas Takeback, a community event to collect and dispose of live holiday trees from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, at 2315 Airport Road. Christmas Takeback is a partner project between the City of Huntsville, Huntsville Utilities, and the Solid Waste Disposal Authority.

That mulch is then used throughout the City as part of Landscape Management's mission to care for all public spaces.

"To maximize recycling efforts, we incentivize participants to undecorate their trees at the end of Tinsel Trail, allowing us to mulch as many as possible," Buddo said.

So bring your imagination and festive spirit to Tinsel Trail. Wander through the forest of trees and marvel at the decorations. And maybe remember the thermos of coffee or hot cocoa.

And know that in its subtle way, Tinsel Trail is helping care for the environment.

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