Christmas cards can make a huge impact on the environment if you are not purchasing cards made out of recycled paper, or soya ink printing. This would include all card giving. Thousands of cards are sent out every year, and I wonder about what sort of product they are using during seasonal holidays. Options are available to limit consumption of card giving. If they do not have online access, or a computer to use, or not internet savvy, that is an entirely different topic. You can find cards made of recycled paper and soya ink to purchase in those cases.

Email

 Try sending family and friends emails this year. Online card giving leaves less of a carbon footprint. You can still get creative by adding pictures to the email, many places offer public domain artwork you can use.

Presentation Software

 I use Microsoft movie maker, and plan on making my seasonal card this year in this format and then send them the link. I will place it into Youtube and have them watch it. If you are blessed enough to have Powerpoint, this would work to. I am unsure of loading Powerpoint presentation software to youtube, this you would need to check into. Preezois one online that is simple to use.Zoho is one I also enjoy using.

A Card on Your Blog or Website

 If you have a website or blog, you can use this as your card giving this year. You can still decorate it as you wish too, with personal or public domain photographs for creativity. You can also leave links on your blog to your presentation software card. Promote your Christmas message in this manner if you can.

 This year I plan on combining a presentation software greeting, along with a newsletter for the family. I will send the newsletter via email, which will limit printing. I will be looking into soya ink at a printing shop; however I do believe a large quantity would be required in order for them to take the order. Only certain printers can take soya ink is why. I have done extensive research on soya ink. If this option is not available the rest of the family will be receiving an environmentally friendly card. This year contribute to a much more environmental way of giving cards and greetings.