Green Holiday Cards

As the holidays approach, it is time to start thinking about ordering the annual feast of Christmas cards for friends, family, associates and customers. Given the environmental concerns this year, sending greeting cards from recycled paper does not seem to make common sense.

When buying holiday cards recycled there are a variety of formats from which to choose, printed on different colored paper stocks. Many maps are presented as recycled "printed on recycled paper to 100%." Some even say what percentage of that paper is made from recycled post-consumer. How Recycled Paper Made? is a good reference on the process of making paper, explaining the differences between the fiber post- consumption and pre used in the manufacture of recycled paper.

When the recycled paper became popular years ago, we thought it should look like it was recycled. Consumers expect to see pieces of debris or staining of foreign particles in the paper, feeling it was necessary to make sure that the paper was actually recycled. This is no longer the case. Recycled paper can be just as bright white and clean as virgin pulp. Without the recycling symbol printed on the card, it would be almost impossible to tell if the card stock it was printed on recycled effectively.

Here lies the dilemma. When the cause of environmental protectionism, it is not you doing your part to help you if you choose to send Nice white recycled greeting cards this holiday season? Even if the recycled symbol on the back of the card, is it enough to attract the attention of your participation in the issue go green?

Or would you prefer sending cards printed on cardstock brown Kraft? Of course, the cards printed on recycled paper brown can look just as beautiful as the colors of ink used, but it needed? Consumers are increasingly familiar with the recycling symbol and actually looking for it on printed documents?

It is interesting to note that there are not many recycled Christmas cards available on the market, even with the rush to go green. And if they are offered, there are not many pleasing designs to choose from. The only exception would be a company called CardsDirect . On their website are more than 100 card designs everything from Christmas cards to birthday cards. Many are clearly intended for those who want to promote environmental awareness with the drawings making it the symbol of feelings and recycled such as, "Greening the season."

Even more interesting is that many designs are available printed on brown Kraft or white cardstock for those unsure about the way forward. Which brings me back to my first question ... If a residence recycled recycled Search? As the holidays approach, I look forward to your thoughts on the matter.