Truth be told, this year, Girlawhirl, whose apartment is smaller than a shoebox, opted for a different kind of tree. She bought herself a potted rosemary plant and tied little ribbons on the branches instead of going all out and purchasing a full-size fir tree. Her apartment was filled with the wonderful smell of rosemary and she could snip a few leaves whenever she needed to punch up a holiday recipe.

With 30 to 35 million Christmas Trees sold in the US each year, recycling them is a great idea. Recycled trees are used in many ways, but Girlawhirl loves the idea of a tree that's been chipped up and used to maintain hiking trails. Recycled trees are also used to prevent beach erosion and in lake and river shoreline stabilization.

With all of this thought going into tree recycling, Girlawhirl wondered if a live tree was the best way to go. Somewhere in her brain she couldn't process the fact that it's ok to cut down a tree for her enjoyment. But with up to three saplings planted for each full-grown tree that's harvested, it really is ok. The young trees produce a lot more oxygen during their peak growth years, so that helps the earth as well. And one of the alternatives, plastic trees, contains non-biodegradable ingredients.

But even better than a live tree is a tree that can be planted outside after the holidays are over – or, like Girlawhirl's little rosemary bush, one that doesn't need to be recycled at all.

To find a Christmas tree recycling center in your area, click here