 Oct. 10, 2008 - In the U.K. this Christmas, 20,000 tons of paper will get dumped in the trash as businesses and consumers send each other holiday greeting cards, according to Envirowise, a government-backed nonprofit.
The group says its appealing to businesses to find alternative ways to send holiday greetings to clients and suppliers, such as electronic cards, instead of contributing to the 150 million cards and presents shipped each day by the Royal Mail during the Christmas period.
Envirowise is reminding businesses that not only will an electronic card help reduce seasonal landfill, it will also save money during tough economic times, and will help demonstrate a company’s corporate responsibility. According to Envirowise, small businesses will spend almost $200 million on holiday cards.
Since 2005 the non-profit says more than 130,000 e-cards have been sent free of charge through its web site saving businesses nearly $100,000 on postage, card and envelope costs.
Other companies are looking to help businesses continue to send Christmas cheer the traditional way while not hurting the environment or their wallets. The Royal Mail is offering discounts to companies whose direct mail campaigns meet specific environmental criteria. Hallmark has introduced a series of corporate holiday cards produced from 50% sugar cane pulp and 50% recycled paper. |
