We send cards for many occasions and the holiday season is one of the most popular times to send a greeting card. Christmas is definitely a time to connect to family and friends and express feelings. After all, that’s the reason for the season. It is important to let others know that we are thinking of them during the holidays. But should we send a paper card or an electronic one? Here are some pros and cons for each.
Paper Cards
Paper greeting cards are a global industry. Numerous companies promote cards for holidays and special occasions. Over the years the cards have become more inventive and nowadays technology will let you records your own message. Christmas cards say what we would like to but can’t seem to put into words. The fun begins when we shop for the cards and choose just the right one for someone we care about.
So while Christmas cards fill a need, many companies are striving to be more environmentally friendly by using recycled paper for their cards. The argument against recycled paper is that it is not as strong as virgin wood pulp. That may be a consideration for paper grocery bags but for cards, the strength is in the wording not what they are printed on. Purchasing greeting cards on recycled paper supports the recycling industry as a viable alternative to other materials.
For the most part, once the holidays are over, paper cards end up in the trash along with wrapping paper and Christmas trees. Although some people recycle, most throw everything away in the regular trash. This paper goes to the landfill and stays their indefinitely.
Unfortunately, the conditions in a landfill are not appropriate for paper products to biodegrade. Paper hangs around as long as plastic in a landfill.
E-cards
Electronic cards are a wonderful innovation. They’re a lifesaver for those of us who forget to send out paper greeting cards in a timely fashion. An electronic card can be sent on December 23rd and arrive on the same day. The best electronic cards are interactive and can be personalized to say whatever we want.
Usually there are two levels of e-cards to choose from — free and then more detailed cards for a fee. E-cards can be saved on the computer and viewed as many times as you want.
Electronic card programs eliminate the need to go to the store for cards so there’s no transportation or use of fossil fuels. These cards can be created and sent to others. Occasionally, people do print them out and that contributes to the trash situation in the landfill.
So which is better? That is up to you. Be responsible with your choices and instead of throwing out those paper cards, find creative ways to reuse them.
I rarely send greeting cards. If I needed to send a greeting card, I would prefer the classic paper card. is more personal and shows you really care in my opinion.
Good point, e-cards are a great way to save on paper usage!
I personally think greeting cards are a waste of money and paper. It is a big industry though so it is tough to not support it. Many people could lose their jobs if people just stopped buying greeting cards. I have always been a fan of just telling someone how I feel about them instead of letting a card do it.
i think today people tends to sent e-cards it fast and sometimes no cost also…
The popularity of the greeting card is decrease day by day. SMS and E mail are taking place of the greeting.
I think paper greenting card industry havs really thread from the technology. Now lot of people use e cards.
Personally, I do still prefer to receive and send traditional paper cards. However, I always check the back to see if they’re made on recycled paper. Surprisingly most card makers today such as Hallmark use recycled paper goods. Thanks. David
.-= David @Vintage Christmas Cards´s last blog ..Vintage Christmas Cards =-.
Recycled is good, but not enough. With standard cards the biggest environmental impact is not the card itself. It’s the massive distribution of those cards from the printing facility out to all those little stores, and then back again when a huge percentage of them get pulped because they were never used. You’ve seen the cards sitting on store shelves. What did you think happened to them? The wastage is enormous!
Having cards made on demand is much more environmentally friendly, and yes these days this is possible. That’s how I did my Christmas cards this year. It’s easy (and fun), and gives a lasting memory way beyond an e-card.
Best use of Christmas cards? … make them heartfelt and personal enough to be a keeper, not next year’s waste!