paperless post card
January 16, 2020

Paperless Post: A Sustainable Way To Send Cards

‘Sustainable Living’ has become so much more than just a buzzword. People are starting to understand that global warming and resource depletion are very real. I believe we are all making an effort to alter our lifestyles (as much as possible) to reduce our impact on the environment.

However, according to a recent article in The Irish Times, it is estimated that Ireland throws away approximately 47 million Christmas cards each year. How crazy is that? For a small gesture of thanks or well wishes, the bigger picture is a little scary.

A company called Paperless Post recently got in touch with me. They provide an online card and invitation service and aim to highlight that communication can be personal and well-designed regardless of the medium. It immediately caught my attention – what can I say, I love a good card! They provided me with 400 coins to use at my own free will to try out the service.

First Thoughts

I had two initial thoughts:

  1. This is a great idea and is a lovely way to help people cut down on their paper waste
  2. I hope they aren’t cheesy/tacky like other ecard websites I’ve visited in the past

I was immediately blown away by how beautifully designed the cards and invitations are. Paperless Post work with well known designers, fashion houses, lifestyle brands and independent stationers including Kate Spade New York, Oscar de la Renta & Vera Wang to bring top quality, modern & customisable designs.

Getting Started

When you sign up to Paperless Post, some coins are added to your account free of charge. There are plenty of cards and invitations that are free to use, so you can get started straight away. However, more premium designs and adding an envelope and liner will require coins.

I used some of my gifted coins to send Christmas Cards to family members abroad. I also had a few birthdays in December so the timing was perfect. With so many designs to choose from it was really easy to find something to suit each person. You also have the ability to add little personal touches here and there. In particular, I love how you can choose the envelope colour and lining!

If you’re sending an invite, you can add in an RSVP option, which is so handy for keeping track of responses all in one place. Guests can view the location of the event and also leave a comment on the guest wall.

final thoughts

I absolutely love this idea. I think it is a great way to help cut back on the paper waste we consume in Ireland, without compromising on the quality of the gesture. With so many holidays in the next few months from Valentine’s Day to Easter, I think this is a great starting point to help alter our habits.

Do you like the sound of Paperless Post? Be sure to let me know if you try it out and tag me in your creations!