It’s that time of year when we over-buy large boxes of cards (to use next year) but we still have a box stashed away somewhere from last years ‘use next year cards.’ Has sending Christmas cards simply become a chore? And is it outdated or a precious tradition? Craig, owner of A Tidy Mind – London shares some thoughts….
In the age of technology and e-cards, are physical cards really necessary? Some might say yes, as it’s a staple for Christmas. Just like gifts, receiving a Christmas card means it’s Christmas and that someone thought about you. I remember being a child and being all excited to send out cards from a long list in the address book (I would write from all of us and the doggies). As I entered adulthood I can’t remember the last time I wrote more than 1 or 2 Christmas cards, but maybe that’s just me.
Christmas Landfill?
According to the Imperial College researchers, It is estimated that 1.5 billion Christmas cards are thrown away by households in the UK alone every year year
Let’s face it, most people will throw cards out after Christmas. They may not be recycled or recyclable (all that glitter!) which means they could end up in landfill. So that’s your money, effort and time to buy, write and send the card on a landfill.
There are however a few compromises you can make to save money, reduce your carbon footprint and also send cards in an eco and pocket friendly way.
- Be bold and say ‘please don’t send me cards this year…’ If you know you will end up throwing cards away and can do without, ask people nicely to not send you cards… for environmental reasons 😉
- Charity… perhaps use the money you would have used on buying everyone a card and donate to a charity for Christmas. encourage your friends/family to do the same. Many charities especially homeless or animal charities, always need physical things like duvets, blankets, pillows, mattresses – maybe do a family gift where all the money that would have been spent collectively to buy cards for each other, could be put forward as a donation.
- Cards you can PLANT… Yes, seeded Cards exist! If you really cant let go of the idea of sending a physical card for christmas then this is a fantastic option for both reducing how many cards you buy (as they can be pricey) and helping the environment too. Instead of throwing cards away after Christmas, the recipient can plant them and come spring, your card would have started to blossom, lasting much longer than a conventional card. Just tap in ‘seeded christmas cards’ in any search engine and you will be presented with hundreds of options.
- Go Paperless… E-Cards are becoming increasingly popular and a much easier, cost effective method to use than sending out conventional cards. If you have the ability, design your own and pop it into an email you can do that too! Its free!
- Eco-friendly cards… Aside from the above mentioned seed cards, there are loads of other eco-friendly cards on the market made from recycled or biodegradable materials.
These are just a few tips to help make Christmas a little less hazardous to the environment and also perhaps save you a few pennies.
If you’re thinking about streamlining your home and living a more intentional life, decluttering and organising can be life changing. Think of it like a personal trainer for your home. Craig (based in London) is now taking bookings for 2020.