Environmentally Friendly Stationery: DIY Tips & Tricks
DIY Ideas for green stationery, letters and more
As the holidays have come to an end and all of your presents have been received, it’s time to put ink to paper for a thank you card. Since 90% of American households purchase paper greeting cards, this time around consider these greener options for stationery and send your message with a low carbon footprint.
Top Tips
- Make your own paper. Gather up various household fibers such as denim, other papers, and even plants. Rip your gathered materials into small pieces and mix in some warm water until it is about the consistency of pancake batter. After you have made the paper mixture, spread it over a framed screen or even a small strainer which can easily be made with an old window or door screen. Once it has been spread, squeeze any water out and then let it dry. For more detailed instructions just try a quick search online, or improvise- there is no wrong way.
- Buy Green. Look for stationery made of recycled paper. Many paper card companies supply cards made of partially recycled paper to even 100% post-consumer content.
- Not just junk in the trunk. Some paper card companies such as PooPooPaper actually make cards out of naturally dried elephant dung from elephant conservation parks. The paper is completely clean and safe for use and yes, odorless.
Other Considerations
- The greenest alternative. What’s greener than recycled paper? Why, no paper at all. Consider sending an e-card instead of paper cards. Save money, and trees.
- Signed, sealed, delivered. Try making your own envelopes out of paper found at home such as wrapping paper, magazine pages, newspaper or anything else you can think of. To seal it, use some candle wax.
Common Mistakes
- Watch out for fraudulent emails from unnamed sources claiming to be an e-card. Recently phishing scams have been prevalent so if you receive an e-card without a specific name of someone you know, do not open it as it could contain a virus.
Benefits…
…to your wallet
Making your own stationery from materials you already have will save you money since you’re not buying more, just reusing.
…to the Earth
Reusing things you already have means fewer raw materials need to be made which means fewer carbon emissions in its manufacturing, fewer resources need to be used and less harm to you and the planet. Also, stationery usually comes in large packs which are most likely wrapped in plastic. The less you buy, the less plastic ends up in landfills.
January 8th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
I like the creative alternatives mentioned in this article, specifically the making your own paper option. I didn’t know you could make paper out of denim!?! Interesting, I’ll have to try soon.
January 8th, 2010 at 2:00 pm
You could also say thank you through the phone or maybe take a picture of you using the gift and send it through email. These ways are pretty easy and don’t cost a lot.
January 8th, 2010 at 2:03 pm
I don’t like e-cards because I don’t like going on the Internet often. I find paper cards much more personable than email. I will definitely try the make your own paper option. It seems fun.
January 8th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
Great info! I thought the only green alternative to paper cards was e-cards, but I guess I was wrong. I guess all you need is creativity to be eco-friendly.
January 11th, 2010 at 5:25 pm
I think ecards are an excellent ideas, but they’re just not that pretty as real lace ones and stuff. Especially wedding invites!
January 15th, 2010 at 3:27 pm
Wow lace cards? Ive never heard of that how pretty…
January 21st, 2010 at 6:50 pm
so cool…i remember making my own paper at school when i was little. we used to do it just for fun but turns out its a pretty useful and green skill
January 21st, 2010 at 6:51 pm
Yah, the great thing about being green is that its often just using your head to creat something new of existing materials. Creativity at its best.