Eco-friendly Christmas cards are a great way to spread holiday cheer while also being mindful of the environment.
The holiday season is a time of warmth, joy and connection, and sending and receiving Christmas cards is a beautiful tradition that has stood the test of time. Not only do Christmas cards allow us to convey our love and best wishes, but they also give us a chance to express our creativity and thoughtfulness.
As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to think about the impact some festive activities have on the environment including the type of Christmas cards you choose. To be more environmentally conscious, consider using eco-friendly Christmas cards instead.
Explore five eco-friendly Christmas cards below and learn how they can help minimise your carbon footprint while still spreading holiday cheer.
5 Eco-Friendly Christmas Cards
Seed Cards
Imagine sending a Christmas card that not only conveys your holiday wishes but also has the potential to grow into something beautiful. Christmas cards that contain seeds are a wonderful eco-friendly option that combines a card and gift in one.
There are two types of seed cards, ones that contain a packet of seeds inside and ones that have seeds embedded in the paper. Plantable Christmas cards are cards that have seeds embedded in the paper. Once the recipient has finished enjoying the card, they can then plant the card in soil. As the card decomposes, it nourishes the soil, giving life to flowers, herbs, or even trees.
A Gift of Seeds cleverly combines a greeting card with a packet of seed to form a gift to grow. Each pack is made from 100% recycled card and features beautiful illustrations and a space on the back for writing a personal message. Inside the recipient will discover a packet of seeds to grow, sowing instructions and a tear-away plant label for marking where seeds have been planted. Each Gift of Seeds is 100% plastic free, comes with an envelope for gifting or mailing and only requires two stamps to send in the mail.
These unique and eco-friendly Christmas cards embody the spirit of growth and renewal that Christmas represents.
Recycled Paper Cards
Choosing Christmas cards made from recycled paper is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce your environmental impact. These cards are created from post-consumer waste paper, which lessens the demand for virgin wood pulp and conserves valuable resources. Look for cards that state they’re made from recycled paper or are certified by organisations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
Local or Handmade Cards
Supporting local artists and artisans is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while spreading holiday cheer. Seek out locally made eco-friendly Christmas cards that are crafted with care, creativity and environmental responsibility. By doing so, you not only help small businesses but also minimise the environmental impact associated with long-distance shipping.
Alternately, why not try making your own eco-friendly Christmas cards? All you need is some recycled cardboard and plastic free embellishments such as twine and coloured paper. If you really want to make a statement, try making pressed flower Christmas cards like these ones below.
Get creative with the pressed flowers and leaves by turning them into festive elements like wreaths, Christmas trees and bells. All you need is a flower press, some thick cardboard and some creative vision to make beautiful pressed flower Christmas cards.
Upcycled Cards
If you have a stack of Christmas cards you’ve received from previous years, why not get creative and upcycle them? Old Christmas cards can be repurposed as postcards, gift tags, decorations, or bookmarks, extending their usefulness beyond the holiday season. When you receive cards this Christmas, consider how you can give them a second life and encourage others to do the same. Here’s a great example!
Digital E-Cards
In an increasingly digital world, electronic Christmas cards offer a paperless alternative. Sending e-cards via email or social media is not only eco-friendly but also cost-effective. You can choose from a wide variety of customisable e-card designs, add your personal message, and send it to your loved ones with just a few clicks. Plus, you save on postage and reduce the environmental impact of card production and transportation.
This holiday season, make a conscious choice to spread joy and holiday cheer with eco-friendly Christmas cards. Whether you opt for recycled paper cards, seed cards, digital e-cards, local and handmade cards, or reusable cards, your thoughtful selection can have a positive impact on the environment.
Remember that the essence of the holiday season lies in the love and connection we share with others. By choosing sustainable Christmas cards, you not only express your warm wishes but also demonstrate your commitment to protecting the planet for future generations. This small yet meaningful gesture can be a gift to both your loved ones and the Earth, allowing us all to celebrate the season with a greener spirit.
