12 Days of a GREEN Christmas- Day 11: Christmas Cards

If you’re like me, Christmas cards are one of my favorite traditions. It’s a way we connect with friends and family, some we don’t see often enough.

About 1.3 billion holiday cards are sent each year in the US.

Cards are made of paper and about 800 million pounds of paper is used in the US every day! Paper and wood products account for over 1/4 of all waste in US landfills, while releasing methane gas as it decomposes. Decomposing paper is the largest source of methane gas emissions. The US is using paper a rate that is devastating to our forests and climate. Deforestation accounts for 25% of global carbon emissions.

By using recycled paper it would save 100% of trees, 39% less waste, and also save energy, and water.

Here are some ways to make this tradition more sustainable:

• Pass on mixed materials like foil, vellum, glitter, ribbon, photo paper, etc. Mixed materials make it harder to be recycled.
• Look for cards made with 100% recycled paper.
• Look for soy based inks: soy based inks come from a renewable source and are easier to remove during the recycling process.
• Don’t overbuy, try to avoid ending up with a ton of extra cards after you’ve sent them all out.

Sustainable card brands

• Paper Culture– Their cards and envelopes are made sustainable materials (100% recycled paper/ bamboo/ soy ink), they plant a tree for every order.
• Artifact Uprising– Cards are made with 100% recycled paper
• Minted– They have an option to print cards on 100% post- consumer recycled paper. You need to select the recycled paper type, it’s not their default.
• Forever Fiances– They make cards with 100% recycled paper embedded with wildflower seeds. You can plant the cards!!

E Cards

• Greenenvelope– Encourage their customers to “Save time, save trees, and save money” by sending email invitations.
• Paperless Post

Handmade/ DIY Cards

Handmade cards are another great option and very meaningful. You can use renewable materials, kids artwork, paint handprints, etc! A great opportunity to get creative!

Recycling cards

Cards and envelopes can be recycled as long as they’re only paper, this includes cardstock or shiny paper. But you must remove any parts with glitter, foil, charms, ribbon, etc.

What to do with old cards?

Cut them into gift tags or ornaments, make a small book of cards each year.