London, 18th November 2005: One billion1 Christmas cards, weighing 20,000 tonnes2 and equivalent in volume to at least 20 Olympic sized swimming pools3, will end up as waste this Christmas. Sadly, it seems that most will still be with us 30 years later, largely unchanged despite languishing in landfill sites across the country4. These startling facts have prompted Envirowise to develop an e-card system exclusively for use by businesses this Christmas.
Envirowise Programme Director, Dr Martin Gibson explained: "Christmas is possibly the time of year when we produce the most waste. We wanted to give businesses easy access to something they could use to help cut down on seasonal waste, without spoiling the fun of Christmas. A Christmas e-card system seems the ideal solution, especially as cards end up having such a disproportionate and long term environmental impact."
The programme’s e-card system offers users a choice of ten designs, ranging from traditional Christmas scenes, to new twists on Christmas imagery and cards with an overt environmental message. Every user can create personalised cards, by first selecting their preferred image and then adding a personalised message.
Gibson continued: "The e-cards are easy to access and use. They provide businesses with an opportunity to keep in touch with customers and suppliers this Christmas whilst doing their bit for the environment. What is more, since the system is free to use, they will save a bit of money in the process."
Businesses wishing to use Envirowise’s Christmas e-cards system should visit www.envirowise.gov.uk
The system is free to use, but businesses are encouraged to make a donation to a charity of their choice. Envirowise supports WaterAid.
Notes to editor
Why could cards last 30 years in landfill?
Modern landfills are tombs that try to "mummify" waste. Many materials that one would expect to degrade do so only very slowly. In the US, a team of "Garbageologists" identified the strata of their landfill excavations by reading the newspapers at the particular level. Thirty-five year old papers have been found, as have 10 year old carrots and 15 year old corn.
About WaterAid
Envirowise supports WaterAid, as water shortage is not just a national issue, but also a global one. WaterAid is an international charity, dedicated exclusively to the provision of safe domestic water, sanitation and hygiene education to the world's poorest people. Just £15 is enough to give a person access to these basic human rights for life.
To support WaterAid this Christmas please go to www.wateraid.org
About Envirowise
Envirowise delivers a valuable programme of confidential advice to UK businesses. This advice enables businesses to improve profitability and reduce environmental impact.
Independent, practical and proven guidance is available through the Envirowise Advice Line, information resources and on site visits (Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales only) delivered by a national team of expert advisors. Each solution is driven by the specific needs of individual firms to genuinely improve their business practices, profitability and competitiveness. Since 1994, Envirowise has helped UK industry save over £1 billion.
The Envirowise programme is available to any UK business, completely free of charge. For more information visit www.envirowise.gov.uk or call 0800 585 794.