It’s estimated that 1 billion Christmas cards are tossed into the trash each year, and during the holiday season alone, 300,000 tons of card packaging is said to be thrown away. Not to mention, generic greeting cards are typically made with chemically processed and dyed paper.

It’s fun to give and receive cards (it’s actually one of my favorite things!) but here are some ways to do so without creating trash.

1. Package Free Plantable Cards

The gift that keeps on giving (and growing!) These cards are made from post-consumer waste and can be planted after it’s been used. The Wildflower Seed Mix grows a blend of colorful wildflowers including Bird’s Eye, Clarkia, Black Eyed Susan, Sweet Alyssum, English Daisy, Catchfly and Snapdragon.

Writing on the card will not affect the soil or flowers! You can use any writing utensil available, but the best results will be from a regular ballpoint pen. Our supplier at Package Free has had 3rd party lab testing done and have found no negative impacts to the soil or flowers as a result of the ink printed on the card or ink written in them. Happy planting!

2. Aya Paper Co.

Aya Paper Co. is such an amazing company to support. They’re Black-owned and completely sustainable. They use 100% recycled and PCF Chlorine Free paper, and they print their cards digitally using 100% non-toxic toner.

3. DIY!

Get crafty with scrap paper or old paper bags that you have lying around the house and make your own card! This is truly the most Zero Waste option.

To write with…

Curious about sustainable office and school supplies? Check out this article to learn more!