The initiative, started by the national sport fishing association Sportfiskarna in 2016 to help restore the endangered ecosystem, has been hailed by environmentalists
People from the Swedish Anglers Association, Sportfiskarna, throw old Christmas trees into the waters of Hammarby Sjostad, on January 12, 2024, in Stockholm. Image: Jonathan Nackstrand / AFP
On a freezing January morning, dozens of discarded Christmas trees collected after the holidays are tossed into Stockholm's glacial waters, recycled to provide a welcoming habitat for marine life.
The initiative, started by national sport fishing association Sportfiskarna in 2016 to help restore the endangered ecosystem, has been hailed by environmentalists.
All the trees collected are from retailers who buy evergreens that have not been sprayed with pesticides.
Just days ago, the majestic Norway spruces held pride of place in cosy homes across Stockholm.
Now, the tinsel and ornaments are being replaced by heavy rocks before the trees are thrown off a boat into the waters off the Hammarby Sjostad industrial zone.