Why Use Recycled Envelopes?

How much paper are you using? When you factor in all paper products, it’s a tough question. As a whole, Americans use about 71 million tons of paper and paperboard annually, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). That’s a lot of paper products.

If you’re looking for options to reduce your carbon footprint, you aren’t alone. Many businesses and individuals are seeking new ways to go green and show customers they’re environmentally responsible.

But does using recycled materials, such as envelopes and paper, really make an impact?

Little Changes, Big Impact

While it’s true that paper doesn’t leak harmful chemicals into landfills, like electronics devices, recycling envelopes still makes a huge impact. For example, paper accounts for more than a third of all recyclables collected in the United States by weight.

Also, nearly 45 million tons of paper and paperboard were recovered in 2010, which is a recycling rate of over 63 percent. The amount of paper recovered from paper recycling averaged 334 pounds for each person living in the United States, according to the American Forest & Paper Association.

So, it’s fair to say that switching to recycled products, such as envelopes, makes a sizable impact.

Plus, think about this. The recycled envelopes you purchase may be recycled again, which would continue to keep waste out of landfills. In fact, recycled paper can be used in over 5,000 different products, according to the EPA.

Recycled Envelopes Look Good

If you haven’t used recycled envelopes before, you might wonder what they look like. And more importantly, if the envelopes are professional and attractive. The answer? Yes!

Recycled envelopes have come a long way. They’re now available in a variety of options, including warm whites, earthy mid-tones and rich darks. You can even get speckletones and super bright florescent colors. The options are endless. Plus, you’ll feel great knowing you’re protecting the environment from unnecessary waste.

Do you use recycled envelopes?

If so, what are your thoughts? Please share by leaving a comment below!

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Valentine’s Day Alert: Will you pick the Right Gift this Year?

Every moment, it’s drawing closer…Valentine’s Day. On average, men spend about $168.74 on clothing, jewelry and other gifts for the big holiday, with women spending about half this amount, according to a survey conducted by the National Retail Federation.

How much will you spend this year? And, more importantly, will you select the right gift?

It’s a lot of pressure. Fortunately, there’s an easier way to celebrate Valentine’s Day without spending a lot of money, and hitting closer to your loved one’s heart: handwritten letters and cards.

Store Aisles, Loaded with Cheese…

And, it’s not the kind you eat. We’re talking about cookie cutter Valentine’s Day cards with messages like:

Stick with me Valentine

You light up my Life

Don’t ever change Valentine

You rock Valentine

Yet, 150 million Valentine’s Day cards were sent last year, according to the Greeting Card Association. And this doesn’t include the Valentine’s cards children pass out in school.

Hit Closer to the Heart

Parents keep Christmas, Valentine’s Day and other gifts children make for years, even though they cost very little.

That’s because they come from the heart.

Hand-made valentines were once very popular, starting in the early 1700s. But, in the 1840s mass produced valentines hit the market, and hand-made valentines waned in popularity.

This Year, be Different

Forgo the mass produced cookie cutter Valentine’s Day cards millions of Americans are sending, and stand out using quality paper to make your own personalized message or DIY Valentine's Day card, customized to your loved one.

For DIY card ideas,  click here.

Do you have great ideas for making personal cards or letters? If so, please share by leaving a comment below. Also, be sure to visit our website and sign up for our newsletters!