For those in Armenia who wish to welcome the New Year with a living New Year Tree without promoting deforestation, the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets suggests an alternative option – to rent a tree in a pot.

Over the years, mass logging in the Armenian forests resulted in the disappearance of thousands of conifers. After the celebrations the green symbols of the New Year are thrown away and appear in garbage dumps.

As part of the SunChild project, this is the second year that FPWC is promoting the initiative. The aim of this project is to convince people to buy or rent small potted trees which later can be planted instead of cutting mature trees.

Those who wish to take part in the initiative can come to the Yerevan Zoo any day to choose their tree, which the organizers will deliver free of charge. The tree will include an information brochure about proper keeping and care of the tree. If rented, the tree can stay at the customer’s home until January 15th.

The renting price is 25.000 AMD, ($65) the purchase is 40.000 AMD. ($105)