Press Release, Van Wilgen’s Garden Center

Every year, up to half a billion plant pots end up in landfills or incineration plants. A significant number of these are related to short-term, single-used holiday plants.

Van Wilgen’s — a long-standing, family-owned farm and garden center — is looking to do its part in combating the environmental burden of discarded holiday poinsettias. Beginning January 15, Van Wilgen's Garden Center is launching a unique Poinsettia Trade-in program. This initiative offers consumers — whether they purchased the poinsettias from Van Wilgen’s or not — a convenient and impactful way to divert these festive plants from landfills, transforming them into vital resources for future plant growth.

“Every year, we enjoy being part of the poinsettia tradition — witnessing families give the joy of these beautiful plants as gifts to loved ones,” shared Ryan Van Wilgen, second-generation leader of the family garden centers. “We also know that a few weeks later, these plants, plastic containers, and, in some cases, mylar wrapping paper, will be in the curbside trash. With the poinsettia trade-in program, we hope to encourage a new tradition in closing the holiday season.”

Recycled poinsettias will take on a second life cycle within Van Wilgen's sustainable ecosystem. Separated from their spent soil, they undergo a composting process and are transformed into nutrient-rich compost that fosters future generations of Van Wilgen's plants and flowers. Even the plastic pots are spared landfill disposal — repurposed to be used for next year’s poinsettias — minimizing reliance on new materials.

"We love seeing these plants bring cheer, but we hate seeing them discarded. We understand that we are asking consumers to take an extra step, so we have also incentivized the recycling effort,” Van Wilgen continued. “We will re-use the pot, compost the plant — extending the life and usefulness of these beautiful holiday traditions, plus reward participating customers.”

For their eco-conscious efforts, participants in the Poinsettia Trade-in program will receive a 20% discount on houseplant orders at Van Wilgen's Garden Center in North Branford. It's a chance for consumers to nurture the planet and cultivate a new green companion for their homes.

"This program isn't just about poinsettias," emphasized Van Wilgen. "It's about closing the loop, showcasing the importance of compost, and demonstrating that sustainability can be beautiful."