"Contrasting that intense happiness was the sadness I felt in seeing that same tree discarded by the curb in the weeks that followed Christmas.
"It seems wrong that a tree that symbolized hope, joy and new life could be so easily abandoned.
From this, the idea for The Living Christmas Company was born," and that's the story of Scotty!
Living Christmas Co. is located in the heart of the beach communities of Los Angeles -- in Redondo Beach -- a most non-North Pole kind of community. But Christmas spirit is just as strong, and it is very feasible to raise these Christmas trees locally in the robust nursery industry that takes advantage of the year-round growing conditions of Southern California.
Add to that natural growing advantage, a smart business model, and you have a delightful entrepreneurial venture that brings delight, service, and renewable resources to the community.
Families can rent a living tree, enjoy it and return it for another season of growth in prime nursery conditions.
The Living Christmas Company helps non-profit organization reach fundraising goals by sharing revenue from members who rent their Living Trees from the company.
Mature Tree Adoption Program: The rented Christmas trees are well loved, but sometimes, because of their size or condition, are forced into retirement from active rental duty. These retirees are donated for urban reforestation programs and non-profit landscaping projects. Organizations can request adoption of mature trees.
Last year, TLC Co. donated 36 trees to Tree
Musketeers for their Arbor Day planting celebration.
Eco-Advocacy: The Living Christmas Co. supports local environmental groups that share their environmental goals of raising awareness and participating in the community.
They have supported Global Green by donating trees for their millennium event and supporting their annual pledge drive. By attending local green events, such as Earth Day events and environmental fairs, they support local green organizations such as VOICE (Volunteers and Organizations Improving the Community's Environment) in their mission to educate and increase awareness about the Earth's environment.
Possibly the Living Christmas Company's most important initiative is challenging the general public to re-evaluate their practices by offering a dynamic alternative to artificial and cut trees.
"This is not your grandmother's tree; this is your children's tree"
For a calendar update of nursery visits and opportunities to meet the "elves of the trees", check out the blog for The Living Christmas Co.