Decorating With Old Christmas Cards
Thinking of recycling your Christmas cards this year as a way to have a more eco-friendly Christmas, waste less and get more use from their festive designs? Here are some ideas on how to reuse, repurpose and recycle Christmas cards for 2021...
Christmas cards are a great way to send a message of love to family and friends during the festive season – especially after the COVID-19 pandemic has limited physical contact – but, once celebrations end, they can easily add to January waste.
In 2020, lockdown restrictions lead to a huge spike in the number of Christmas cards being sent. Research revealed that searches for 'charity Christmas cards' reached a 16-year-peak and, compared to December 2019, they were up 144%. So, with the planet in mind, it's more important than ever that we recycle Christmas cards this year and make it a habit for years to come.
How to recycle Christmas cards: 3 options
Upcycle them – Be creative and give used Christmas cards a new lease of life. Take a look at some of our creative ideas for reusing Christmas cards below.
Recycle them – Christmas cards that are made from paper are perfect for recycling, however the glitzy ones that have glitter, foil or fancy adornments can't be recycled in the usual way. Take off these extra bits and collect them for general waste before putting the bare cards in your recycling bin.
Recycle Now says on their website: "Most cards are paper based and can be recycled, along with their envelopes, either in your household recycling collection, at local recycling points such as household waste recycling centres or at collection banks in supermarket car parks and the like.
"Any embellishments such as ribbons or glitter cannot be recycled so should be removed first by simply tearing off that section. Batteries should also be removed from musical cards and disposed of at battery recycling points."
How to make it easier for you and your recipient to recycle their Christmas cards:
- Avoid buying any cards with glitter, sequins or plastic decorations on them
- Buy cards in bulk to avoid unnecessary packaging
- Buy them from local makers and reduce carbon footprint while supporting small businesses
- Make your own cards by reusing bits at home
- Buy plantable seed cards from Thoughtful Human – more info here
Donate the stamps – Start collecting used stamps on the Christmas cards you receive and donating them to charity. Stamps are sold by weight, meaning that many charities can turn old ones into funds to help their ongoing work. Simply cut the stamp off the envelope, making sure to leave approximately 1cm of envelope bordering the stamp, and post to the correct address. Here's a list of 10 charities that accept stamps as donations.
How to recycle or reuse Christmas cards: 6 ideas
1. New Year's Eve decorations
There's no need for Christmas cards to only be useful at Christmas. Turn them into stylish New Year's Eve decorations. Cut them up, paint them and stick pieces together to make decorative garlands and bunting.
This content is imported from Pinterest. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
This content is imported from Pinterest. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
2. Place settings
If you have an intimate dinner party planned for New Year's Day, or any other time of the year for that matter, you could upcycle your Christmas cards into lovely table place tags. Cut squares, rectangles or a shape of your choice from your festive cards. The white back section is particularly useful, as you can paint or ink your guest's names onto this.
This content is imported from Pinterest. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
This content is imported from Pinterest. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
3. Next year's Christmas decorations
If you are guilty of being a bit of a sentimental hoarder, then this one is perfect for you. It means that you can hold onto your greeting cards from loved ones for another year. By the time next Christmas comes around you'll be ready to upcycle them into some amazing Christmas decorations, like the ones below, including tree hangings, wreaths and shelf ornaments. Put the most beautiful ones in a frame.
This content is imported from Pinterest. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
This content is imported from Pinterest. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
4. Gift boxes
Christmas cards can also be turned into effective Christmas gift boxes. Cut the original cards into pieces and sew them together for adorable little boxes.
This content is imported from Pinterest. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
This content is imported from Pinterest. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
5. Gift tags
In keeping with the Christmas theme, old greeting cards also make great upcycled gift tags. Cut out the central motifs from the cards, then write your message on the back.
This content is imported from Pinterest. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
6. Bookmarks
Are you always losing or running out of bookmarks? Why not use your old Christmas cards to make a selection of new ones, so you'll always have one at hand to pop inside the next book you read.
This content is imported from Pinterest. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
This content is imported from Pinterest. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Now there's no need to wonder what to do with Christmas cards once the festive season is over. It's time to get creative!
7. Plant them!
Plantable cards are rising in popularity and we are on board. They are not only made from a sustainable material and are adornment-free, but they act as a gift too. The recipient can plant them after they have enjoyed their sentiment by simply burying them under some soil and giving them a water. You must make sure that the card is definitely plantable and made out of seed paper before doing this.
More on having a sustainable Christmas
22 eco-friendly Christmas gifts for 2021
Shampoo Conditioner Set - Glass Amber Refillable Bottles | Bathroom | Kitchen | Dish soap | Eco | Conditioner | Body wash | Decor
CleanNatured etsy.com
US$21.53
A personal favourite of our Executive Digital Editor, Emma-Louise Pritchard, these refillable glass bottles not only help you become plastic-free in the kitchen and bathroom but also look super stylish in the home. Order through Etsy and you can choose what label to have printed on the front and which top (pump or spray) to be included. You can use them for shampoo, conditioner, washing-up liquid, cleaning sprays, hand wash... anything!
Dip & Doze towel set
There's something really luxurious about a new set of towels. This ethically made set from Dip & Doze is made from 100% organic and fairtrade cotton. They don't use harmful chemicals so the fabric is gentle on sensitive skin. And the best bit? Each towel has a handy yet stylish hook so they look neat and tidy when hung up in the bathroom. Dip & Doze also sell sustainably made bedding and loungewear. They are a great find.
Bullards Coastal Gin Subscription
What's better than sustainable gin? Bullards Coastal Gin subscription starts you off with a beautiful glass bottle and an eco refill pouch of their premium gin. Simply fill the bottle and post the empty refill pouch back to the distillery so they can recycle it. You just pop it in the post box, no envelope or stamp required. A new refill pouch of gin will arrive monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly or annually, depending on which subscription you choose. You can choose from four flavours: Coastal, London Dry, Strawberry & Black Pepper or Old Tom. In 2020, it won The Gin Guide's Sustainability award.
Investment Buy
Kensington Electric Bike
The fully electric Kensington e-bike from Volt is something special. The design is classic and stylish, it's practical with storage options on the front and back, and it's a joy to ride. It's Lithium Ion 36v battery lasts up to 60 miles and makes for effortless cycling. Live in a hilly area so choose to use your car instead of your bike? With this bike, that's not a problem. Simply choose between five different power modes to get you anywhere. It's got top level security and locking systems, too. This is, admittedly, a more expensive gift but if it means using the car less and saving on both fuel cost and emission fumes, it's a worthy investment.
Climate Positive Vodka from Sapling Spirits
saplingspirits.com
£30.00
For every bottle of Sapling vodka sold, a sapling tree is planted. Sapling Spirits has partnered with Whatley Manor to launch Whatley Manor Citrus Vodka. The vodka is infused with citrus peel (lemon and orange), using only fruit from the hotel's kitchen, which would otherwise have gone to waste. The bottle is beautiful and would look great on the table at upcoming Christmas drinks.
RHS joint membership
An RHS membership lasts all year and will allow the receiver to spend more time enjoying beautiful gardens and flower shows. They'll be able to learn more about gardening and how to welcome more wildlife into their own outdoor spaces.
To be more eco, consider travel to and from RHS locations. Can you get public transport or car pool with a group of people who would like to go? Can you visit them when you are already in the area instead of making a special journey?
Rebel True Wireless Earbuds
thehouseofmarley.co.uk
£99.99
These wireless earbuds are from sustainable audio brand House of Marley. They are made using sustainable materials, including natural bamboo. Perfect for commuters, they have an eight hour battery life or 30 hours with the case. They are sweat and water-resistant too. Every purchase helps plant trees across the globe.
PÄRLA - Original Naturally Whitening Toothpaste Tabs
A perfect stocking filler, these tooth tabs are a plastic-free toothpaste alternative that are worth a try. They are ideal for traveling or look great on your bathroom shelves compared to the ugly tubes we have become used to. Designed by dentists, they are eco-friendly, vegan, plastic-free and British-made.
Reusable Face Pads with Wash Bag
MummyMarvellousMakes etsy.com
US$10.45
For the person in your life who currently uses cotton wool pads, buy them these washable, reusable face pads and you'll save them environmental footprints as well as money. These handmade, 100% cotton rounds come in different patterns with a matching bag to wash them in.
Contigo Matterhorn Couture Water Bottle
Contigo amazon.co.uk
£15.77
Reusable water bottles have become somewhat of an accessory in recent years and this white marble, stainless steel, BPA-free, insulated drinks bottle keeps beverages hot or cold for up to 24 hours. It's 100% leak-proof, too.
Country Living subscription
We've made the switch from plastic bags to paper wraps on our subscriber copies, making a Country Living subscription a worthy eco-friendly Christmas gift. All our paper is FSC certified and can be recycled.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
Linen Bread Bag - Pure Linen - Handprinted with flowers from the Garden Design - Perfect Bread Storage - Helen Round, Helen Round Designs
HelenRoundDesigns etsy.com
US$34.21
This hand-printed linen bread bag, made in Cornwall, is both beautiful and practical. Take it to the bakery or supermarket and feel better about not bringing your purchase home in a plastic wrap. It's machine washable and available in different colours.
Plant Conservation
Botanist Timothy Walker explains how we can all make a difference by adapting our behaviour as gardeners to help save threatened plants.
Heidi Calm gift set
byFoke is a sustainable gifting company. Their website states their intentions as: "Supporting and championing small independent brands, creating an ethical and sustainable business that has as small a footprint as possible and above all creating memorable gift experiences for both the purchaser and the recipient." The Heidi gift set is 100% natural, vegan and cruelty-free. It contains an artisan hand towel made from 100% cotton, bath salts and soap.
Black Toast All Over 4 Mug Teapot Boxed
emmabridgewater.co.uk
£59.95
We've all heard the devastating truths about how much plastic is in our tea bags. The alternative? Go loose. All you need to make a loose leaf brew is a beautiful tea pot and a strainer (£12.99, Amazon). We like to use metal tea bags (£4.99, Amazon), which are great for single mugs, too.
Keep it Simple Reusable Period Protection Starter Kit
Cheeky specialise in plastic-free baby and make-up wipes, period and incontinence products, and nappies. This sustainable period starter kit includes:
- three high-waisted period pants,
- small double wetbag
- luxury cotton cloth period and leak proof day pads
- cloth period bamboo day pads
6 month Audible subscription
For bookworms, this is a great packaging-free gift they can enjoy for months. On top of one book credit a month to download new releases, Audible members can enjoy a host of free books and podcasts too.
Women's Wool Runner Mizzles
Tried, tested and loved by our CL digital team, these merino wool trainers are completely waterproof thanks to weather-repellent natural materials. The are warm, cosy and look amazing.
Ethique Pinkalicious Shampoo Bar
hollandandbarrett.com
£12.99
Tried, tested and loved by our CL digital team, there's a reason why Ethique's hair and skin bar range has been a huge hit since it made its debut in Holland & Barrett earlier this year. This shampoo bar is made using pink grapefruit and warming vanilla and foams up just as generously as a liquid shampoo. Slightly more expensive than a bottle of shampoo, it lasts a lot longer so is actually cheaper over all.
Shetland Bird House
gardentrading.co.uk
£25.00
Help a loved one welcome more birds into their garden with this stylish bird box. Watching them flit in and out will be a mindful and soothing activity and the birds will be grateful for the help.
Bambaw Bamboo Cutlery Set & Jute Pouch
Bambaw ethicalsuperstore.com
£12.95
This gift is perfect for those who love to travel or live life on the move. The lightweight set includes a bamboo knife, fork, spoon, reusable straw and cleaning brush.
Black & Blum Stainless Steel Sandwich Box
ethicalsuperstore.com
£29.95
Helping to make pack lunches both zero-waste and stylish.
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Decorating With Old Christmas Cards
Source: https://www.countryliving.com/uk/create/craft/a3005/recycling-christmas-cards/
Posted by: monroewhithre1978.blogspot.com
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