Christmas cards are attractive, decorative and meaningful for the 12 days that they spend on the mantle. However, the Christmas card is doomed to fatality once January comes knocking on the door. What do you do with yours?
It seems that our social responsibility before Christmas is far more at the forefront of people’s minds before Christmas than the environment is after. Unfortunately many people tend to forget the problems with deforestation and melting glaciers while then waddle to the bin, full from eating a wealth of food, to dump in this year’s Christmas card selection.
Have a think about all the paper that we use at Christmas time. Many shops, supermarkets or councils will offer schemes where cards, paper and trees can be recycled for the good of Mother Nature. Contributing to such schemes will help the environment and set a good example for younger generations, whom it is hoped, will grow up with an innate awareness of the world we live in.
It might be that you could think about the implications of the cards you use and the paper you tear apart in the run up to Christmas. Some wrapping papers are not recyclable and this is heartbreaking when you think of the tonnes that are destined for the bin before it has even reached the checkout. Think of alternative ideas to using this paper. Brown paper can be decorated using stamps, ribbons and tags and can end its life in the recycle bin. It will also make your present stand out and look arty. Similarly, newspaper can look effective if used as wrapping paper so long as you beware of the print that could rub off.
If you or your family are sentimental it might be possible to give a card that doubles up as a present. This may consist of a photo, a painting or even double up as a Christmas tree gift. This is particularly possible if you make your own cards. The result is that your greeting can be added to the Christmas decoration collection or at the very least a box of treasures.
