The holidays are a time for joy, family, and celebration, but they also bring added responsibilities. Between decorating, hosting, and just keeping up with your daily routines, your home can quickly start to feel more like a neverending to-do list rather than your haven.  That’s where smart home technology comes in. It can help you streamline holiday tasks to focus on what matters most—spending time with loved ones and enjoying the season's magic.  And there are more upsides to upgrading your home tech: doing so can also enhance the overall value and appeal of your property. Current research indicates that 77% of today’s home buyers are interested in smart homes, which results in an up to 5% increase in a property’s resale value! In general, estimates indicate that sellers who invest in smart home technologies realize a 50% return.1 So whether you're thinking about selling in the near future or just want to enjoy your home to the fullest this season, adding smart gadgets is an investment that pays off. Read on for some of the best smart home solutions to simplify your holidays (and just maybe make your home more marketable down the road, too).   ENTERTAINING MADE EASY Spending time with friends and family is the highlight of the holiday season—but entertaining can be a lot of work. These tools can help turn any gathering into a celebration to remember without all of the fuss.      1. Make Cooking Easier with Digital Recipe Access Holiday cooking often means late nights and multiple trips to the store. Instead of juggling old recipe cards, let smart-home displays keep you organized with easy menu planning and grocery lists. High-end: Google Nest Hub MaxThis smart display offers an easy-to-use recipe mode with step-by-step guidance from the Google Assistant. It’s like having a sous chef right on your countertop. Mid-range: LG - 27" Smart webOS TV with Countertop DesignThis smart TV can be perched on your kitchen counter or mounted on the wall to watch cooking shows, pull up your favorite recipes, or cast content from your mobile device. Budget pick: Amazon Echo Show 8With a Food Network integration and recipe assistance, this countertop model offers plenty of features in a less-expensive package.     2. Set the Mood with Smart Lighting The right ambiance can elevate any gathering. Control colors, brightness, and temperatures remotely with these smart lighting options. High-end: Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync BoxWatching a holiday movie? Sync your smart lightbulbs to adapt their colors to what’s on the screen for the ultimate festive movie experience.  Mid-range: Lutron Caseta Wireless BridgeUse this small internet-controlled device to set up automations for your smart bulbs, so you can dim all your lights at once with a swipe on your smartphone.  Budget-friendly: Govee LightbulbsJust getting started with smart bulbs? This affordable option allows you to control color and brightness using your Alexa or Google Home device.     3. Amplify Your Holiday Spirit with Smart Speakers From carols to party playlists, music sets the tone for the holidays. These smart speakers will get everyone in the mood to sing along. High-end: Bose Smart Speaker 500 This powerful speaker delivers room-filling sound—and Google Assistant and Alexa are both built-in.  Mid-range: Amazon Echo StudioThe best device for Amazon loyalists who care about sound, music comes through loud and clear on this speaker.  Budget-friendly: Google Nest MiniThis diminutive speaker gives you voice-controlled playback at an entry-level price.   TRADITIONS WITH A TWIST Decorating your home and popping on a holiday film gets everyone in the holiday spirit. These tech solutions make things easier and give you more time to enjoy the fun.      1. Watch Holiday Favorites in Style Level up your holiday movie traditions with smart projectors that turn any room in your home—or even your backyard—into a movie theater.  High-end: Epson Home Cinema LS1100This 4K projector is a serious investment, but it delivers cinema-quality performance and a laser light source that won't require replacement bulbs. It's also easy to set up and adjust.  Mid-range: Samsung Freestyle 2nd Gen Smart Portable ProjectorUse this feature-packed, battery-powered projector nearly anywhere—it's designed to level and focus your video automatically and to scale to the size of your space.  Budget-friendly: Vankyo Performance V700WThis 1080p projector offers a bright picture, high-quality audio, and the portability to move it from room to room (plus outside). You can cast from your mobile device or plug in a computer or USB.     2. Shine Bright with Smart Plugs Tired of clambering behind furniture to get to a hard-to-reach plug for your decorations? Invest in smart plugs, and you can control all of your electrified holiday decor (plus anything else you might plug in!) easily from your phone.  High-end: Meross Smart Power StripThis smart power strip includes four AC outlets plus two USB C and one USB A port. It’s compatible with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home, and each outlet can be operated individually. Mid-range: Enbrighten Wifi Smart 2-Outlet PlugThis smart plug turns one wall outlet into two smart outlets. Control the plug using an app or with Google or Alexa voice assistants.  Budget-friendly: Kasa Smart Plug Ultra MiniThese inexpensive plugs are designed to take up minimal wall space yet offer plenty of features. Plus, they’re compatible with Google and Amazon home ecosystems.      3. Create a Winter Wonderland with Smart Outdoor Lighting Whether you want to wow the neighborhood with an eye-catching display or simply add a touch of outdoor holiday charm, setting up lights doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Smart outdoor lighting makes it simple to illuminate your home’s exterior with minimal effort or planning. High-end: Govee Permanent Outdoor LightsInstall these permanent outdoor lights on your home and celebrate year-round with app-controlled color and effects options for every holiday you can think of.  Mid-range: Twinkly Icicle LightsDrape your home in any color you can think of with these easy-to-use, app-controlled icicle-style lights. True to the name, there are plenty of twinkling options to choose from! Budget-friendly: Brizled Smart Christmas LightsString up these indoor-outdoor lights wherever you’d like to enjoy customizable colors and effects, or sync the bulbs with music for a truly eye-catching outdoor display.    SIMPLIFIED HOME MANAGEMENT There’s plenty to manage at the holidays as it is—make things easier for yourself by automating some basic home tasks and functions. Less time spent on tedious chores means more time making memories with your family.      1. Keep Your Home Spotless with Robot Vacuums The holidays can create a lot of mess — stay on top of it with smart vacuums that clean up all of those cookie crumbs and bits of wrapping paper for you.  High-end: Roomba Combo J9 PlusSay goodbye to vacuuming and mopping with this high-tech robot, which comes complete with AI obstacle avoidance to keep it from banging into your furniture.  Mid-range: Roborock Q5 Max+This powerful robot vacuum is highly customizable—use the app to set up cleaning preferences like a second pass through high-traffic rooms or to block off areas you’d like left alone. Plus, it empties its own bin! Budget-friendly: Shark IonThis robot vacuum may not come with all the bells and whistles, but it does a great job keeping dirt and pet hair off the floor. You can control it with Amazon Alexa or the Google Assistant in addition to a dedicated app.      2. Manage Deliveries and Greet Guests with Smart Doorbells The holidays tend to bring a lot more people than usual to your door. Keep track of who’s coming and going, and keep your home safe with smart video doorbells. High-end: Eufy Dual+ Security Video DoorbellThis large video doorbell offers a much wider field of view than most competitors, plus high resolution and night vision. It’s compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices and can be set up wired or wireless.  Mid-range: Google Nest Doorbell CameraThis sleek doorbell camera is easy to set up and control from a distance and offers fast notifications and the ability to respond by voice or with preset messages. Advanced features include package detection and facial recognition.  Budget-friendly: Arlo Video DoorbellThis doorbell offers a wide field of view, high-resolution images, and the ability to zoom in, and is compatible with multiple smart-device ecosystems. However, some of its features, like recordings, require a monthly subscription.      3. Protect Your Home While You Travel Unfortunately, the holidays tend to bring higher rates of home break-ins. Whether you’re traveling or staying local, these tech solutions can help keep your home and family safe. High-end: Ring Alarm ProRing is well-known for video doorbells, but they also offer full home security systems, complete with professional monitoring (for a monthly fee). With high-performing devices and a built-in router to ensure working wifi, this system lets you keep an eye on things no matter where you are.  Mid-range: Abode Smart Security KitThis kit is designed to work with all of the major smart home ecosystems, allowing you to connect as many devices as you’d like for a seamless experience. It includes a hub device, a door/window sensor, and a motion sensor, and you can easily add on from there to customize a system to your needs.  Budget-friendly: August WiFi Smart LockLots of visitors coming and going this holiday season? This smart lock upgrades your existing deadbolt, allowing you to give access to trusted family and friends. Best of all, it attaches to the lock on the inside of your door, so it won’t impact your curb appeal or draw unwanted attention.    ENJOY A BETTER HOLIDAY SEASON WITH SMART HOME TECH Incorporating smart home technology can help make this holiday season more relaxing—and it can also be a great investment that adds value to your property in the long run. From energy-efficient lighting to reassuring security systems, these gadgets do more than just make life easier; they enhance your home’s appeal to future buyers. If you're curious about how upgrading your home’s tech might impact its value, we’d love to help. Reach out for a free consultation to learn more about the latest trends in smart home technology and how it can align with your real estate goals. Whether you’re looking to sell soon or simply upgrade your lifestyle, we're here to guide you every step of the way.   Sources National Association of Realtors -https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/emerging-technology/smart-homes-can-help-you-grow-your-business-heres-how

Want your home to fly off the market? 🚀 Home staging is your secret weapon! Check out our latest article for a checklist of staging steps to help win over potential buyers. 81% of buyers’ agents report staging helps buyers envision themselves living in a home.[1] Selling your home quickly and at the right price takes more than just listing it online. To attract buyers and secure top offers, your property needs to stand out. That’s where home staging — the process of strategically preparing a home for sale — comes in. Research shows that it can both increase a home's sale price and shorten the time it spends on the market. As a seller, you can choose to stage your home yourself or to work with a professional stager. Whichever option you choose, the goal is to show off your home’s best qualities and make a lasting impression. Getting ready to list your home? Here are seven essential strategies to turn it into a buyer’s dream. Declutter and DepersonalizeCreate a clean, neutral space by removing personal items, family photos, and excess furniture. Consider renting a storage unit if needed to keep things tidy while your home is on the market. Deep Clean and RepairA sparkling clean home leaves a lasting impression. Deep clean every room, paying special attention to areas like baseboards, windows, and appliances. Fix minor imperfections like chipped paint, loose tiles, and worn hardware. Pick Up a PaintbrushRepaint walls in neutral tones like beiges and off-whites to appeal to the widest range of buyers. Consider repainting outdated cabinets in white or soft gray for a modern and updated look.[2] Enhance Curb AppealMake a strong first impression with a well-maintained exterior. Power wash siding and walkways, touch up any chipped paint, and tidy up your landscaping by removing dead plants and adding seasonal color.[3] Stage Key RoomsFocus on the living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen, as these spaces are most important to buyers.[1] Arrange furniture to create an open and inviting flow, and use rugs to define spaces and add warmth.  Find Your Best LightMaximize natural light by removing heavy window treatments — use sheer curtains or light-filtering shades for a softer touch. Incorporate a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting with warm bulbs to create a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout your home.[4] PhotographyHigh-quality photos are essential in today's digital world. Hire a professional photographer to capture your staged home at its best, showcasing its features and potential. Consider using videos or virtual tours to provide an immersive experience for potential buyers. Get Started TodayReady to stage your home for a successful sale? Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation! We'll assess your home's unique needs, provide expert advice on maximizing its appeal, and connect you with trusted professionals who can help you achieve your selling goals. Let's work together to make your home stand out and attract the best offers! Sources: National Association of Realtors - https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2023-profile-of-home-staging-03-30-2023.pdf Zillow - https://www.zillow.com/learn/how-to-stage-house-to-sell/ National Association of Realtors - https://cdn.nar.realtor//sites/default/files/documents/2023-03-remodeling-impact-outdoor-features-03-17-2023.pdf  Martha Stewart - https://www.marthastewart.com/2126982/how-to-layer-your-lighting

One of the best parts of owning a home is the freedom to make it truly your own with design choices that reflect your personality and lifestyle. Whether you lean toward contemporary design or a farmhouse aesthetic, your home is your canvas. To help inspire your design choices, we’ve rounded up some of the top trends we’re watching in 2024. Keep in mind, not all of these will work well in every house. If you plan to list or renovate your property, give us a call. We can help you realize your vision and maximize the impact of your investment. Spa-Like Bathrooms In 2024, more homeowners will remodel their bathrooms to turn them into personal oases, with upgrades like steam showers, infrared saunas, and cold plunge tubs. Even modest additions like a massaging showerhead or heated towel bar can add some pampering to your morning routine.[1] If you’d like to explore your options, we can refer you to a trusted contractor for help. Maximalist Decor Maximalism is back in vogue, contrasting the neutral aesthetic that dominated design in recent years. Hallmarks include rich and saturated colors, bold wallpaper, statement rugs and furniture, and lots of art.[2] If you’re trying to embrace maximalism on a budget, thrift stores are a great place to start. We’d be happy to share a few of our local favorites. Japandi Style Not ready for maximalism? Japandi—which blends Japanese and Scandinavian influences—offers a more subdued approach that still has plenty of character. Common features include calming color palettes and organic materials, like raw wood and bamboo. This design style also embraces storage solutions, including baskets and folding screens.[3] If you’d like help implementing Japandi-style organization in your home, reach out for a referral. Mixed Metals According to designers, mixing the colors and finishes of metal fixtures and hardware can bring visual interest to a space—as long as you go about it the right way. Steer clear of near matches, like brass and gold—that’s more likely to look accidental than intentional. And use each metal at least twice in a room to make it look cohesive.[4]  Want some help sourcing fixtures and hardware in a variety of finishes? Ask us for a list of our recommended retailers.  Wood Cabinetry And Accents In 2024, classic wood cabinetry is back in a big way.[5]  In fact, industry professionals surveyed by the National Kitchen & Bath Association predict that wood cabinets will be more popular than white in the next three years.[6] Dreaming about new cabinets or hardwood floors? We’d be happy to refer you to some trusted trade professionals who can help.  Timeless Renovations In its latest Kitchen Trends Study, Houzz found that “nearly half of homeowners (47%) opt for a timeless design as a sustainable choice during renovations.” Respondents cited long-term cost-effectiveness and environmental consciousness as their main motivators.[7] Selecting classic elements—like hardwood floors and hand-crafted tiles—can prolong the life of your investment. If you’d like advice on an upcoming project, contact us for a free consultation. BEAUTIFY YOUR HOME WHILE BOOSTING ITS VALUE If you’re thinking about making design changes, it’s important to consider how your choices could affect your home’s resale potential. Buyer preferences can vary significantly based on your home’s neighborhood and price point. Before you begin your project, reach out to discuss your plans and how they could impact the value of your home. The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only.  It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs. Sources: The Spruce - https://www.thespruce.com/2024-bathroom-design-trends-8380169 Homes and Gardens - https://www.homesandgardens.com/interior-design/maximalist-decor-ideas House Beautiful - https://www.housebeautiful.com/room-decorating/a45851530/japandi-interior-design-style/ The Spruce - https://www.thespruce.com/4-rules-designers-say-you-should-follow-or-ignore-when-mixing-metals-in-a-room-5199031 Good Housekeeping - https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/decorating-ideas/a45576463/wood-kitchen-cabinet-trend-2023/ Better Homes and Gardens - https://www.bhg.com/2024-kitchen-trends-840656 Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/magazine/2023-u-s-houzz-kitchen-trends-study-stsetivw-vs~164970160  

Celebrate Sustainably: 5 Ideas for an Eco-Friendly Holiday at Home It's the most wonderful time of the year. But for many families with festive plans and hectic schedules, it's also the most wasteful. According to one survey, for example, 60% of respondents admitted to throwing away more than usual during the holiday months as they filled up their trash bins with uneaten food, wrapping paper, gift bags, and commercial packaging.1 The reality is, Americans routinely toss about 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s than at any other time of year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.2 In fact, we throw away so much ribbon during the holidays—around 38,000 miles’ worth—that the discarded material could easily run more than one and a half times around the Earth.3 As our holiday schedules grow busier, many of us also forget to take simple steps at home to shrink our carbon footprints or prepare for a more energy-efficient winter. Luckily, it’s not that hard to shift our habits and plan for a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly celebration. Here are five ideas for ringing in the holidays this year without overstressing Mother Nature. PREP YOUR HOME FOR WINTER Depending on the amount of time and resources you have available, you could cut your carbon emissions significantly this season just by winterizing your home. Investing in a more sustainable way to warm up your surroundings—such as a geothermal heat pump or solar heating—could be especially impactful if your current HVAC is underperforming and you can afford a more expensive system.4 Replacing old appliances or things like chronically leaking windows with newer, more energy-efficient solutions can also save you money over the long term.5 Plus, you may be able to claim a federal energy-efficient tax credit for up to 30% of your investment.6 You don't necessarily have to spend a lot upfront, though, to prep your home for winter. Even simple tweaks—such as sealing windows and doors or upgrading to more energy-efficient window coverings—can lower your energy consumption and reduce your carbon footprint.7 Incorporating environmentally healthier habits into your routine can also make a meaningful difference. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, for example, dialing back your thermostat by as little as seven to 10 degrees for eight hours a day can trim up to 10% from your bills.8 Consider a home energy assessment to help you pinpoint what needs fixing. Depending on your comfort level, you can audit your home's energy efficiency yourself with the help of the Department of Energy's DIY Guide.9 Or you can hire a professional, such as a home energy auditor or weatherization contractor.10 Call us for a recommendation or personal referral. DECORATE SUSTAINABLY Decking your home's halls is one of the most jolly seasonal activities of all. There's something special about gathering 'round with friends and family and relaxing in the comforting glow of a festively decorated space. But since so much of the holiday-themed decor that's sold in stores is notoriously disposable, it can be a challenge to spruce up your home sustainably. Cheaply produced and rarely recyclable, store-bought decorations are often made with plastic, styrofoam, and other environmentally unfriendly materials that can crowd landfills for generations.2 Luckily, you don't have to trade style for sustainability when making your holiday decor. Thrifting is still in vogue, so consider crafting new and on-trend decorations out of secondhand finds or upcycling items already in your closet. For example, you could transform an ill-fitting sweater into a holiday-themed pillow, turn teacups into candles, or turn leftover shipping boxes into creative decorations. Alternatively, natural decor foraged from your yard—such as dried leaves, flowers, pine cones, and branches—can make for especially beautiful wreaths and centerpieces. If you do purchase store-bought decor, proactively look for the most environmentally friendly options. LED lights are now ubiquitous in stores and use far less energy than incandescent versions.11 Similarly, if you celebrate with a Christmas tree, think twice about choosing an artificial option. Plastic trees may be reusable, but natural trees are generally thought to have a smaller carbon footprint.1   CUT BACK ON HOLIDAY SHOPPING Shopping online or at the mall may be convenient, but it can be costly for the environment. The greenhouse emissions from shipping and transportation alone add up fast, as do the emissions that are produced when an item is first made. According to the online consignment and thrift store, thredUp, 4.5 billion pounds of carbon emissions could be saved if every American bought just one used item instead of new this year.12 Splurging on brand-new products also makes it more likely that the gently used but still functional items that you've got at home will wind up in the trash. Rather than buy new, check vintage stores and consignment shops for unique gifts that you and your recipient can both feel good about. According to research by thredUp, most people are open to receiving gently-used presents, especially if they're socially-conscious members of Gen Z.12 Alternatively, consider regifting items that you haven't used, upcycling something you own, or try crafting gifts by hand. Giving away special experiences, such as concert tickets or community memberships, may also be a more eco-friendly option. So is donating to a favorite charity in a gift recipient's name or offering gifts of time, such as promising to help a loved one clean out their garage or fill their freezer with home-cooked meals. Research shows that gift recipients often value thoughtful gifts with sentimental value, especially if they're homemade or nostalgic or will provide them with a unique experience.13 And if you prefer to buy something tangible, look to local businesses that source or manufacture their goods nearby. Craft fairs and community markets are a great place to start. Or, give us a call and we’d be happy to share a list of our favorite local stores, depending on the type of gift and your budget. We make an effort to patronize the independently-owned shops and restaurants around town and would love to share our recommendations.   GREEN YOUR HOLIDAY DINNER Do you hail from a family of passionate carnivores? If so, trading your meat for a vegetarian option may seem like a step too far—especially for a holiday dinner. But swapping your meat for beans isn't the only way to “'green” your holiday meal. For example, you can consciously source your meat from ethical sellers, prioritize local producers for seasonal sides, and serve enough filling vegetables to satisfy a large portion of your appetite.14 You can also minimize food waste by planning ahead so that you don't cook more than necessary. Check out the Natural Resources Defense Council's dinner party “Guest-Imator” to help you narrow down how much food you and your guests will actually need.15 In addition, consider using the USDA's FoodKeeper App to help track safety recalls and set up calendar reminders for expired food.16 Once you're finished eating, clear the table immediately and either freeze the leftovers you'd like to keep or send guests home with reusable containers. Or, if you have untouched food that's still whole or in unopened packaging, take it to a local food bank or homeless shelter. We’d be happy to share a list of options in our area.   DONATE OR RECYCLE WHAT YOU CAN Once the festivities are over, the real work on behalf of Mother Nature begins. This is the time when taking a few minutes at the end of your holiday celebration to swiftly collect wrapping paper and ribbons, unwanted packaging, and other discarded items can make a real environmental difference by reducing what you send to landfills. Your goal should be to reuse what you can and compost or recycle what's left over. For example, if you upgrade any electronic gadgets over the holidays, you can conserve resources and limit pollution by donating or properly recycling your old versions. The U.S. Geological Survey estimated that recycling a million laptop computers could help save the energy equivalent of 3,500 homes' annual usage of electricity.16 Similarly, the EPA says that recycling one million phones can help salvage 35,000 pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver, 75 pounds of gold, and 33 pounds of palladium.17 It can also help to reimagine new ways to make old traditions more eco-friendly. For instance, if lighting candles is part of your holiday celebration, consider choosing beeswax candles this year instead of the typical paraffin wax, which is a petroleum derivative. Not only are they cleaner burning and less toxic, but the leftover wax is biodegradable and can be composted, unlike traditional candle wax.18 There are also plenty of earth-friendly ways to dispose of a natural Christmas tree without kicking it to the curb. Trees that are sent to landfills release a potent greenhouse gas called methane.19 So, it’s important to properly dispose of a live tree, if you have one, so it can be recycled or composted. If you’re not sure how, reach out for a list of local options.  BOTTOMLINE  We can still celebrate a fun and festive season without draining our community’s resources or sending leftovers to the landfill. And remember, we’re here to lend a helping hand, now or in the new year. This is the perfect time to strategize your next move or set some real estate resolutions with personalized guidance from an expert. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation. The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only.  It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs. Sources: Eco Watch - https://www.ecowatch.com/sustainable-decor-winter-holidays.html Architectural Digest - https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/best-holiday-and-seasonal-decor-for-the-environment The New York Times - https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/18/style/zero-waste-holiday.html Environmental Protection Agency - https://www.epa.gov/burnwise/heat-pumps S. Department of Energy - https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/articles/appliance-and-equipment-standards-fact-sheet IRS - https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/energy-efficient-home-improvement-credit Energy Star - https://www.energystar.gov/saveathome/seal_insulate/sealing_window_door S. Department of Energy - https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/programmable-thermostats S. Department of Energy - https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/do-it-yourself-home-energy-assessments Kiplinger - https://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/real-estate/t029-s001-12-ways-to-prepare-your-home-for-winter/index.html S. Department of Energy - https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/reduce-waste-and-save-energy-holiday-season# Thred Up - https://newsroom.thredup.com/news/thredup-releases-thrift-for-the-holidays-report-revealing-that-new-waves-of-consumers-are-planning-to-gift-secondhand-this-year The Conversation - https://theconversation.com/the-4-biggest-gift-giving-mistakes-according-to-a-consumer-psychologist-195169 Popular Science - https://www.popsci.com/story/diy/sustainable-holiday-strategies/ Natural Resources Defense Council - https://savethefood.com/guestimator USDA - https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2018/10/04/usda-updates-foodkeeper-app-include-new-food-items S. Environmental Protection Agency - https://www.epa.gov/recycle/electronics-donation-and-recycling com -https://canicompostit.com/candle-wax/ CNN - https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/25/us/real-or-artificial-christmas-tree-climate/index.html