Want to be 'green' this Christmas?

Want to be extra environmentally responsible this holiday season? You might want to start with the traditional centerpiece, the Christmas tree.

And, no, using an artificial tree may not be the best answer. Most artificial trees are constructed of polyvinyl chloride, which is toxic to manufacture and difficult to recycle.

Instead, environmental experts say, choose a natural, locally-grown Christmas tree, and make sure it is mulched or otherwise recycled after its holiday duties are done.

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture can make it easier for to find one.

The agency has a Nebraska Christmas tree Growers Directory available to help consumers select the nearest Christmas tree farm from the 35 located throughout Nebraska.

The guide is available by calling (800) 422-6692, by e-mailing agr.promo@nebraska.gov and at any local county extension office or Nebraska Forest Service office. It's also available at www.agri.ne.gov by clicking the rotating box in the right hand side of the page. An NDA radio report on the brochure also is available at http://www.agr.ne.gov/radio/radio.htm