A recent poll done by WhitePages and a research group called Market Decisions found a surprising and slightly alarming statistic: 78% of internet users will still send paper cards and use the traditional mail system this holiday season. Despite the ease of use and sweeping tendencies of using electronic services to greet, inform, and share information, the holiday season seems to bring about a technological reversion of the masses.
Taking time to consider the ways and means by which to send out greeting cards or thank you notes is one way to act eco-friendly this winter. E-cards are easy to create and of coure a great way to save paper. A simple Google search for ‘e-cards’ results in a myriad of options. American Greetings and Evite are just two of the many options Even Hallmark offers E-cards in addition to their normal bevy of traditional cards.
In addition to sending electronic messages, it is also easier than ever to send family photos and albums to friends and relatives. Flickr is a quick and easy, yet highly effective way to organize and share photos. It saves paper without losing the spirit of the holidays.
If one should still find it necessary to send paper greeting cards through traditional means, then there are options that too are environmentally friendly. Readily available to purchase at many outlets are so called green cards. They are ones made on recycled paper, handmade paper, or materials such as hemp. Cards Direct, for examples, offers over 50 choices of cards printed on 100% recycled paper. Conservatree is another organization that offers green paper solutions for the holidays season, showcasing a myriad of cards that utilize eco-friendly materials.
Failing that, there are also places that sell cards in which a portion of the proceeds will go to environmental causes.
Many argue that the internet eliminates any sentimentality and spirit of the holidays. The counter-argument is simple: effectiveness is entirely up to the user. Time and thought can still be put into cards that are sent electronically, and loved ones can still appreciate the effort and meaning. The internet has in fact enhanced the spirit of the holidays in some ways. Sympatico has created an application in which users can input the name and information about a loved one (usually a youngster) so they then receive a message from Santa. An email is sent and when opened, a live-action and very realistic Santa Claus greets the person and talks at length about what he or she wants for Christmas and whether or not they’ve been naughty or nice. It’s fantastic for children, and demonstrates the ways in which the internet can embrace sentimentality.
Regardless, there are many ways in which to act environmentally friendly over the holidays while still maintaining the warm and happy spirit.
