Yes, now eco friendly cards are available for almost every occasion. We use all kinds of cards every day of our lives, and for those of us living green lives, that means choosing eco-friendly options whenever possible.
Whether we're handing out eco friendly business cards to a work colleague or client, writing a nice note in an eco friendly Christmas card or greeting card, sending out eco-friendly save-the-date cards for an upcoming event, eco wedding invitations, or jotting down some information on eco friendly professional note cards, Americans are very fond of their cards.
In all, the average American will purchase about 20 greeting cards every year.
Christmas is of course the most popular time to send greeting cards, but there are plenty of other occasions that garner a lot of mailed cards as well, including Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Thanksgiving, Halloween, Easter, and even St. Patrick's Day. As a nation, we buy about 7 billion of these paper greetings annually.
And those are just the greeting cards. We also use tons of cards for other occasions, such as business purposes, list-making, and giving gifts. All told, the card industry has a big impact on the environment—you'll be surprised to know the extent of their impact!
The production of paper accounts for about one-fifth of the total wood harvested from our forests worldwide every year. And surprisingly for us, the pulp and paper industry is one of the dirtiest around! Worse even than the petroleum industry by some standards.
What is especially alarming is that the pulp and paper industry contributes more to global and local environmental problems than any other industry in the world. How is this possible?
Check out the kinds of environmental activities they participate in every day:
As you can see, there is a major need for eco friendly cards for all types of applications. Thankfully, there are now greener card alternatives that make sending those sentiments much more sustainable.
When a paper greeting card, eco-friendly printed business card, or eco-friendly holiday cards that you pop in the mail are the only option, you can go a long way to green-up your greetings by choosing options made with eco-friendlier paper.
Here are some characteristics to look for:
For many occasions, a paper invite is the only way to go. But there are still many opportunities to use electronic eco-friendly card options.
Today there are many free electronic greeting card services, including the following popular options:
Although electronic greetings are just starting to gain market acceptance and consumer loyalty, they are becoming increasingly sophisticated, interesting, and diverse, allowing you to send an electronic greeting for virtually any occasion. And all of the big card makers are getting in on the act as well, including Hallmark.
You may also consider using electronic business cards as well. These save on printing costs and reduce the wad of cards your colleagues will have at the end of a conference.
One other thing to keep in mind when shopping for eco-friendly thank you notes and greeting cards is whether they will be recyclable. Many recycling facilities won't accept cards because of the dyes, inks, and other embellishments used on them. Choosing a paper-only option without things like beads, foils, or ribbons will improve your chances of being able to recycle them.
Another way to recycle your greeting cards is to get those that are biodegradable. To make this even more fun, find paper or cards that use plantable paper...
Talk about a GREAT idea!
These can be placed under a thin layer of soil and then they begin sprouting cheery flowers or even tomato plants after a few short weeks. They are the ultimate in recyclable, eco friendly cards!
Related Eco Topics of Interest:
Go to Eco Friendly Gifts
Go to Eco Friendly Design
Go to Eco Friendly Crafts
Go to Eco Friendly Stores
Popular Eco Community Pages:
Create YOUR Declaration of Eco Friendliness Profile
Be HEARD at the United Nations of Green Eco Friendly Citizen forums
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