Is Recycling Christmas acceptable?

Former_MSE_Lawrence

If someone sent you a Christmas card that had already been sent to them (this year or last year), with a new note inside explaining that it was deliberately done to help the environment, how would you view it? Which of these is closest to your response?

A. It's fantastic. It's a good way to help the planet
B. I'm lukewarm. Not totally offended, but i think it's a little raw.
C. I'm offended. Scrounging devils, if they're going to do it, they should do it right.

Vote here or click reply to discuss.

smartcat04

I'd rather they didn't send a card at all and perhaps sent e-cards instead. Going to try and recycle my cards this year. I know some of the supermarkets had big collecting bins last year for them.

PaleScene

I think I'd pause if I got a card with the previous message crossed out, even with the message about being green because that would be what caught my attention long before the sentiment of being sent a wellwishing card and so spoil it a tiny bit.

But I wholly support the idea of making cards go further. Rather than putting mine in for recycling of the pulping sort, I hand them over to the local church where they are cut down and remounted and given appropriate envelopes, before being sold for a small sum at village events. It thoroughly satisfies my Moneysaving instincts as well because the cards are obviously just as nice as shop bought (since they previously were...) but cost a fraction.

caroline1973lefty

i agree with the first 2 posters, personally i would rather get an e-card (though appreciate not everyone has online access). Friends of the Earth has some really nice ones here http://www.foe.co.uk/cards/

their website also mentions 'seasons greetings' stickers to reuse cards, as suggested, but i can't actually find them on the site. suppose you could make your own - if the stickers were big enough to cover last year's message, that might help make it look a bit more professional - write your messages small, this year, perhaps??!:o

FOE site also has some general good tips on a greener xmas, as does the green board on MSE. Like - put a wintery jumper on and turn the heating down - it's supposed to be cold at xmas time! (I got a snowflake lambswool one from the charity shop for £3 so I'm happy!).

Coveredinbees!!!!

I assume they delivered the card themselves in their new BMW X5?

gollyman1992

Every year my wife sends out the usual plethora of cards, from family to distant friends. She even buys a card for me, and one from me to her.
Christmas cards have become a worthless tradition. Why send a card to someone you will see in the Christams period, and to whom you personally give seasons greetings (particularly your spouse, who you will hopefully wake up with on the day!)
It is my belief that Christmas Cards are a money generating exercise, much the same as Fathers Day (and now we have Grandparents Day!!!).

I say, save the money, spend 1 hour on the phone actually ringing the people you will not see this Christmas and find out how they are doing, tell them you miss / love them. Or, get out there and visit.

As for recycling, if you have to send them (cards), why not? We are all trapped by the 'they've sent one / we send one' problem which retailers love.

ps - I love Christmas, just wish the 'spirit' could be brought back.

suchard007

:T Don't even have to be e-cards as such. Just send a fancy e-mail - nice font, colour etc., etc., Have done this for the last 3 years. Used to send out 40+ cards - now only send them to people who do not have a computer This year I've sent 3 block e-mails divided into family / friends / associates - and only post 4 cards. Have given the money saved (about £25) to Cancer Research.
:rotfl: Reckon that's the way to go personally !!

worldwheeler

Recycle Christmas cards, good idea. I make my own cards on recycled paper.

It isn't Christmas cards that bug me , rather Christmas lights.
In an era of energy crisis, rising gas & oil prices, green energy being pushed to the fore. Why then does it seem more and more people, instead of buying energy saving light bulbs for their house, are buying 1000's of bulbs to illuminate as much of the outside of their house and garden as they can!?

scheming_gypsy

if i got one like that i'd cross my name out, write theirs back in it and send it back with the same note. Tight b*stards.

mallymal

Whilst sending a used card is envirnomentally sound, it does look a bit odd to the recipient.
Why not get arty crafty - eg cut out some bits off the card and glue onto a scrap of card from something else - eg packaging, and make a 'new' card.

Coveredinbees!!!!

we were having a bit of a tidy up now Crimble is out of the way and the cards went in the recycling anyway so whats the problem ??