5 Creative Holiday Cards that Won’t End Up in the Landfill

Do you cringe at the thought of how many holiday cards are tossed in the recycling (or worse, the trash bin) come January 1st? If you’re trying to be more waste-conscious, or have friends and family who are, you might want to consider alternatives to traditional greeting cards. After all, you’re not a grinch. But the struggle to maintain your waste-conscious lifestyle during the holidays and still join in the generous spirit of the season is real.

Of course you can use a service like Paperless Post to send digital greetings, but if you’d like to send something more tangible, here are 5 holiday cards that won’t end up in the landfill

This adorably blunt card packs the added punch of growing up to ten types of wildflowers (or herbs— you pick) when it’s planted like a seed inside soil. (Etsy, $5)

This Scandinavian folk-inspired card transforms into a whimsical fox ornament, certain to bedeck your tree or be displayed around your home for many holiday seasons to come. (Etsy, $20 for 6)

This laser-cut sustainable wood card displays an encouraging message suitable for year-round display as a piece of artwork. (Cardtorial, $14)

While eating the mail might not be the best habit to encourage in your dog, these hilarious cards — made from rawhide! — make me wish all my junk mail could become dog chow. (Crunchkins, $3.95)

Happy Llamaka, Happy Llamadays, or whatever greeting you choose, because this awesome reusable card has tabs for you to insert your very own piece of paper + message. The recipient simply enjoys your message, removes the paper, and inserts their own when it’s time to reuse the card. (Merry Go Round, $5.95)

And… if still you’d love to just send out a boatload of traditional holiday cards minus the guilt, then check out Paper Culture, where they use sustainable materials, run a carbon neutral biz, and plant a tree for every order. Oh, they’ll also mail your cards for you. You’re welcome.