As you know, I enjoy sending handmade paper cards with a loving message to the special people in my life, that is a greeting card’s purpose. Just as receiving a card makes me feel someone cares and can lift my mood, sending a card causes me to slow down to remember significant people in my life, which also raises my spirit. This would be a win-win situation if it wasn’t for the paper waste left behind. So to reduce my environmental impact here are some ideas for card material after reading.
Shred and use for:
Packing material – Why buy more plastic when you can use a natural material. This will require saving up the shredded cards unless you are very much loved.
Easter basket fillers – Just a few shredded cards can fill a basket and it’s nice how the card’s color adds a decorative element.
Fire starter – First pack it hard into toilet paper holders or pack then wrap in wax paper to avoid wisps of embers or flames when burning.
Planter or garden mulch – Paper is wood fiber which can be used with other fine mulch on garden beds, though colored paper should not be used around vegetables.
Paper mache pulp – A paper mix to form facial features or ornaments on larger paper projects , here is a link with details and instructions https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/paper-mache-paste-recipes-1245287. .
Use whole for:
Home decorations – Add paper or metallic elements pulled off cards to wreaths or planters around your house. At Christmas try making a swag from previous year’s cards to decorate a doorway or mantle.
Recycled Greeting Cards – Glue a new inside sentiment page in the card you received and send to another friend. A note on the back saying it was recycled would make it even more appreciated.
Paper mache strips – In this case, it’s the building blocks of paper mache not the glue or paste, again check link above for details.
Creating Beads – Create beads for jewelry making with the paper scraps, here is a link with how to information https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/how-to-make-paper-beads-4045300.
Please share your ideas in the comment section below, we’d like to see them. Thanks
Be encouranged! 
Tricia,
What great ideas. I’m kicking myself because of all the cards (except the homemade one) I threw in the garbage. What a waste. I can’t wait for my birthday now. Thanks.
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Yes, birthday cards are so much fun and I expect you will see many. Thanks for visiting, I’m looking forward to reading your post at livelikeyouaredying2.wordpress.com
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