Christmas Cards that cost less and better for the Environment

Last night, in preparation for Christmas, we sent our Christmas cards-- but not our usual way. We sent out digital Christmas cards (see above). This was a new experience for our family, but a very rewarding one with environmental benefits, cost savings, and lots of opportunities to be creative and personalize each card. I understand that Christmas cards are a labor of love for most people. And digital cards have all the benefits of traditional cards – plus more.

Environmental Benefits:

There are a lot of environmental benefits to creating digital cards.  First there is a smaller carbon footprint because you don’t need to go to a store nor do the cards require transportation by mail. You also conserve environmental resources by not purchasing a store bought holiday card including  paper, ink and packaging for the cards.

Bottom-line Cost Savings:

Christmas cards usually cost about $.75 a piece when you buy in bulk or packages and it costs 46 cents to mail each card.  So, depending on the amount of cards you send, this could add up to a lot of money..  This is just the cost of the materials, you also need to consider the cost of your time to sign, address, and personalize each card.  There are a lot of costs associated with sending a card that may or may not be read by the receiver.  This year I sent out over 100 cards to my friends and family. In the past I would have had to pick and choose who I could afford to these cards to. In the digital form you can attach the card into Facebook, Twitter, e-mail, or any other social media to send to your friends and family members.

Other Benefits:

I spent an hour sorting through old photos from this past year with my kids trying to decide which picture we should use for this year’s card.  This time was invaluable reminiscing and just laughing about the fun we had this past year.

Digital cards are also easy to create. It took me a total of 30 minutes to create the card above using a free photo software and Microsoft power point. I found similar tools to create these cards within Microsoft word, paint, and many other free and paid software programs.

Creating these cards is not only easy (there are many templates), but you can make it more personal by adding pictures of the people who will be receiving the cards or writing a personal message that is incorporated within the cards text.

There are some people on your Christmas card list who need a physical card because they do not have a computer or smart phone. Then you may print the digital card you created and send it to them in the mail. There is still a large cost savings to doing it this way.  You do not have buy a card or spend any time picking one out at the store.

Digital cards are a less expensive alternative to traditional Christmas cards (or birthday cards or any holiday cards for that matter). Creating digital cards can be more rewarding and more personal to keep in touch over the holidays with less time and money involved for the sender and just as much joy for the receiver. 

Digital cards are just one small average way to be a little more ‘green’ this (and all) holiday seasons.

Christmas Stocking Stuffers

Stocking Stuffers 

 Sometimes it’s the little things that count the most. LED light bulbs fit snugly in a stocking and can spare many a kilowatt hour this coming new year.
  Tire gauges are another great little gift. By keeping tires properly inflated, you can save fuel and cut pollution.
  For families with lots of electronics and toys, consider giving rechargeable batteries and chargers. It is a great way to save landfills and pocketbooks at the same time.
Another great one for family's is a gift certificate to a local mom and pop restaurant.

I am personally  giving away jars of local honey from a local university @gvsu along with hand made adult hot chocolate kits. Ask me how to make them on facebook  @averagejoegreen or on Twitter @avgjoegreen 

  Don’t forget to look locally for gift ideas. 

Where I live in Holland Mi:
The Outpost on Eighth Street has a nice selection of reusable water bottles and other little eco-friendly goodies and gadgets. Just down the road is The Bridge, a great fair-trade store, where you can find an assortment of socially- and environmentally-friendly products.
  While you’re in the area, don’t forget to stop by the Peanut Store, for popcorn balls and other consumable goodies.

Transportation around getting holiday gifts

Transportation around getting holiday gifts

 How you go about getting your gifts can have as big an impact on the environment as what you actually buy. Where you shop and how you get there could be one of your most important decisions. After all, where is the benefit in getting the most Eco shiek present, if you drive your SUV to Chicago to get it?

  It’s easy to reduce your gas consumption and take a socially responsible tack instead by shopping locally. Downtown America has a great selection of shops to find most everything you could ever want. Most importantly, you can feel good about supporting the local economy. 

If your family or friends live elsewhere look up what their downtown offers and buy a gift certificate to a local store. It only takes a little research and a phone call. 

 If you’re sending gifts by mail, choose small, light packages, which take up less space and fuel than large, heavy ones.

Thoughtful Gift Giving

Thoughtful Gift Giving

 Everywhere you look right now, you’ll find Eco-friendly gift products, but being green isn't just about buying post-consumer products or green gadgets. If you consider the distance the product has traveled and the potential waste that was generated to create the product you might want to reconsider.

Try your hand at a handmade gift… What could be more personal than something you've made? A holiday wreath decorated with birdseed, suet and fruit slices, is Eco-friendly,  and will sustain the little red cardinals and other birds throughout the  winter. Homemade cookies, breads and granola bars are a perfect gift for anyone. 

  Not a baker? Give the gift of time instead. Offer to someone with childcare, tasks around the house or get creative and lend your skills and talents to a project they’d love. It won’t cost a thing and may trump more expensive gifts you could ever think of to purchase.

Gifts with a purpose and meaning!

Gifts With a Purpose

 What could be better than to give the gift of giving? Nothing is more rewarding than helping those who really need it. Consider donating to a charity or local cause in the name of a friend or relative. It’s a green and sustainable gift that will have a lasting impression.
  Locally there are countless charities that need help.With the economy still coming back there are a lot of family's in need this winter. 
  Consider cleaning out your caned goods and donating them to the local food bank. A small check can go a long way in providing resources for others.
  If you prefer a green organization, there are several in the area that could benefit from a holiday gift. Consider a donation to the Land Conservancy, Ducks unlimited, or World Wildlife Foundation. All are working hard to make our lives a little greener.
There are plenty of other   great national giving organizations that work hard  like the Salvation Army or Toys for Tots to name a few. 
Here is a great link to charity organizations and one websites rankings of them http://www.charitywatch.org/toprated.html. (Charity Watch)
Here is an an only green website list (Earth Share)  http://www.earthshare.org/who-we-support.html

Do what is right and the rest will take of itself.