This year, give the earth a gift by recycling your Christmas tree from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. today through Jan. 11 at Monee Reservoir in Monee and Plum Creek Nature Center in Beecher. Every year millions of Christmas trees end up in landfills. However, you can give your tree a second life by recycling it with the Forest Preserve. Your trees will take a new life "path" by becoming mulch used on the trails or for landscaping. For more information, call (815) 727-8700.

Something new ... what to do with the old

Getting new gadgets for Christmas is great, but what happens to the old broken ones? How about recycling your old computer equipment, cell phones, MP3 players, phones, digital cameras and DVD players from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Electronics Recycled Work, 213 W. 16th St. in Chicago Heights. The staff will pick up items to be recycled from homes, schools, and businesses. Their goal is to recycle or even reuse electronic products that contain lead, cadmium, or mercury, which will keep these environmentally harmful materials from our landfills. For more information, call (708) 668-4439.

Recycle wrapping paper

Just about everything can be recycled. Even the cardboard boxes, plastic containers and wrapping paper that those great Christmas gifts arrive in from Santa are all welcome from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday to Friday and 7 a.m. to noon on Saturday at the Crete Recycling Center, 1215 Douglas Lane in Crete. For more information, call (708) 672-4575.

One more thing to recycle

Did you know that old Christmas cards can be recycled? My friend Norma, takes them to schools for handicapped children to use for games. She has been doing this for many years and gets a great joy out of seeing the smiles on their faces. Please put them into an envelope and put "Barb" on it and drop it off at the Crete Recycling Center.

There's more

And did you know that Styrofoam peanuts and bubble wrap can also be recycled. Not in the sense of melted down and made into something else, but Abetterwaytobuy.net is at 25621 S. Dixie Hwy, Unit 13D in Crete and they can always use peanuts, bubble wrap and even small cardboard boxes.

Recycle this cat

Yes, you can open up your heart and your home to Bogie. He is an altered male who would be a great companion for an older person because he won't get under foot. He is very affectionate when he gets to know you. For more information, call Beecher Veterinary Clinic at (708) 946-3131.

The opinions are solely those of the writer.