Before you send out your Christmas cards this year, here are a few things to think about. Americans send 2.5 billion Christmas Cards every year because we love to wish our friends and family season’s greetings. It’s a cultural institution. Unfortunately, most of these cards will end up in a box stored away or in the trash by the New Year. That’s a lot of trees wasted (about 300,000), and you can make a difference this holiday season by taking a few simple steps to cut down on the waste that you create:
- Design and send electronic Christmas cards to friends who have email access - much more eco-friendly and great fun too! American Greetings, 123Greetings, Care2 and Hallmark offer e-card services. Some people think e-cards are impersonal, but with a little extra time you can send a heart-felt message to your loved ones that is an investment in environmental conservation.
- You’ll save between $30-$50 on postage and the cost of the cards by sending e-cards. Consider donating that money to a tree planting charity. See your options at http://www.americanforests.org/planttrees/.
- If you're going to send cards, buy cards and envelopes made of recycled paper. There are many of us whom prefer to make our own cards and it's very easy to replace your paper crafts with recycled paper or at least the 50% recycled paper. This is a conservation effort that can still be fun.
- Save all the holiday cards you receive to use in future years. A simple cutout of the outside of an old card, using the rest with recycled paper can give it new life. Using your arts and crafts sensibility can make an old card beautiful again.
- Cut up old holiday cards to use as gift tags or as part of the decoration on a gift bag. Another, great resourceful way to reduce your spending and waste with paper. People might even notice there cards from years past and be pleased and honored by your artistic and Eco-friendly expression.
Finally, here’s a good article on other holiday eco-friendly tips:
http://www.lime.com/features/green-holiday/5-Holiday-Eco-Decorating-Tip
We hope you enjoy the holidays and strive to make your season a little more Eco-friendly!
