Are Christmas Cards Sustainable? Let’s Debunk The Myths!

In the 1980s and 1990s, sending out Christmas cards came close to a military operation in some households. It wasn’t uncommon for families to have vast printed lists (later spreadsheets) of hundreds of contacts for annual Christmas cards, some going back decades, and including people they may not have seen physically for many years.

But this began to change quite drastically in the last decade, and people began to buy and send fewer Christmas cards. In part this is due to the rise of online communications across all generations, but is also due to the perception that Christmas cards are wasteful of paper, and that the Christmas card industry causes environmental harm.

Is This True?

Largely, no. Many of the myths that have arisen about Christmas cards being unsustainable, overly expensive, and wasteful are simply that – myths. Let’s examine some of the common ones in turn and look at the reality behind the myths:

Myth One: European Forests Are Shrinking

Europe has seen an incredible growth of its forests over the past decade. An astonishing 1,500 football pitches are being added to managed forests across Europe on a daily basis, largely thanks to businesses and citizens in European countries (including the UK) embracing more eco-friendly solutions, such as sustainable paper substrates that use a lower volume of wood pulp, non-wood-based papers (e.g. mushroom fibres), and wider use of recycled and recyclable paper for cards and stationery. Printed Christmas cards made of 100% recycled paper have no impact on Europe’s forests and are even considered beneficial for environmental conservation, due to the widespread practice of print businesses sponsoring tree planting initiatives across the continent.

Myth Two: Paper Is Bad For The Environment

There is a common misconception that paper is bad for the environment. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, paper is a highly recycled and self-renewing resource due to print and digital design innovations made in recent years. Print and digital design have come together to create eco-friendly print options based on fully recycled paper –– making it easier for both individuals and businesses to reduce their environmental impact. By incorporating environmentally friendly paper recycling practices, printed media companies as well as consumers can now choose ‘pure paper’ as a sustainable alternative to plastic-coated cards and foil based designs – which in the past were difficult to recycle.

Myth Three: Paper Wastes Precious Resources.

Despite the long-held belief that paper is a wasteful resource, the paper industry actually supports a circular economy, recycling used products and reducing its environmental footprint. Used paper fibres are remade into new products, retaining 95% of their original strength, while growing more trees for commercial plantations plays a crucial role in reducing CO2 in our atmosphere. Not only this, but advances in reclamation technology mean a greater percentage of recycled materials can now be used instead of the traditional wood-based source. By embracing this cycle, paper proves itself as an increasingly environmentally friendly option for everyday printed items – including Christmas cards!

Myth Four: Paper Production Is A Major Cause Of Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Contrary to popular belief, paper production is not a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. Perhaps surprisingly, most of the energy used in paper production is renewable, such as hydroelectricity and biomass, making its carbon intensity much lower than anticipated. In addition, some paper manufacturers are beginning to use waste-heat recovery methods that support green energy initiatives and help reduce environmental impact even further. So, if you’re looking for ways to be more environmentally conscious, don’t worry about cutting back on the use of Christmas cards – recycle them instead!

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