Christmas Cards use a lot of paper each year. Unfortunately, a great deal of that paper ends up being thrown away instead of reused or recycled, and the trees it comes from are often not replanted. This year, consider sending an eco-friendly alternatives

Christmas Cards use a lot of paper each year. Unfortunately, a great deal of that paper ends up being thrown away instead of reused or recycled, and the trees it comes from are often not replanted. This year, consider sending an eco-friendly alternative to traditional Christmas cards. They aren't much more expensive, and allow you to do your part to spread the word about environmental awareness.

Christmas Cards That Grow On You

According to Wikipedia.org some 1.9 billion Christmas cards were mailed out in 2005. That’s a lot of dead trees and waste for a one-time-use greeting. When sending out your Christmas cards this year take a minute to evaluate those on your card list. Not everyone necessarily needs a physical card to know you’re thinking of them during Christmas.

Personalized e-cards work great for co-workers and friends and waste no paper whatsoever. There are many sites available to send these types of cards, some for free and some for a small membership fee. Many will even allow you to add your own photo and custom text, making your card truly personal. No trees are killed in the sending of e-cards - give it a try!

For those instances where an e-card just won’t cut it, such as with family or close friends, try sending a Christmas card that will warm their hearts and beautify their flower beds come summer. Seed paper cards are greeting cards created from 100% recycled paper which are imbedded with perennial flower seeds. The recipient can save the card and come spring simply plant the biodegradable card in ground. The seeds will germinate and grow lovely flowers for years to come. You’ll be happy knowing you reused paper that was recycled and your Christmas card recipient will have reduced the number of cards in landfills by planting their Christmas greeting. All three “R’s” (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) covered with one simple card!

Be Caring and Crafty with Homemade Christmas Cards

A huge trend in Christmas cards of late is the personalized touch of creating your own greeting cards. While the supplies to make your own holiday cards are abundant at any craft store the items offered don’t necessarily have the environment in mind. If crafting your own Christmas cards is a hobby you enjoy relax in knowing that you don’t have to give up this holiday pleasure—you just need to find eco-friendly materials to use.

Purchase blank cards and card stock made from recycled paper. Accessorize your cards with natural embellishments such as rustic strings, and dried flowers or fruits. Cut out holiday designs from decorative recycled paper and use these as decals on your handmade Christmas greetings.

Spread the Word

Taking the time to sent environmentally friendly greeting cards will not only help do your part to save the earth, it will teach your children or grandchildren that this is an important value to have, as well. Taking care of the environment is everyones responsibility, and greeting cards are an easy way to start. Sending an eco-friendly greeting card is just as easy as sending a traditional card, and will spred the message to your loved ones that you're making environmental stewardship a priority.