With approximately 19.6 million cards anticipated to be sent by Scottish Businesses this Christmas1, season's greetings look set to cost industries across the board an excessive and expensive amount of waste in 2008.
Sustainability expert Envirowise is again urging companies to adopt a greener attitude to Christmas by sending their greetings electronically, instead of using cards that will inevitably create an avalanche of waste and could remain in landfill for up to 30 years.2
It is estimated that Scottish businesses will spend £16.8million3 on sending Christmas cards this year and with the credit crunch currently taking its toll on all sectors, this is an expense that businesses could do without. Coupled with the uncertainty of Christmas delivery times and an increased awareness of environmental issues, Envirowise is urging businesses to join the festive revolution and switch to sending electronic greeting cards this winter.
Now in its 4th year, Envirowise’s online e-Christmas card campaign offers a free service that can help businesses not only to send festive greetings with a conscience, but to relieve them of unnecessary costs. Offering 15 exclusive Christmas e-card designs to choose from, companies can add their own logos as well as personal messages to send to colleagues, clients, friends and family.
The colourful and animated designs range from contemporary to traditional. Businesses can send an environmental wish from a simplistic green-nosed Rudolph or opt for a more classical snowy scene or a beautifully decorated Christmas tree with presents underneath. Other unique designs include a Christmas tree bauble of the world and a snowman in a snow dome who is dreaming of a green Christmas.
Since the launch of Envirowise e-cards in 2005, the Scottish Government funded programme has seen its free online service being used increasingly by businesses each year. In 2007, Envirowise subscribers in the UK sent more than 60,000 e-cards - saving over a tonne of paper4. The goal this year is for even more savings - for the environment as much as for business.
Direct marketing company Intellis sends electronic Christmas greetings to its customers and suppliers. Managing Director, Patrick Byrne, said:
"In the run up to the festive season it’s important for us to thank our clients for their valued custom and it's only natural that we want to wish them well for the year ahead. As a company though, we choose to send our Christmas wishes by using e-cards which not only means we're helping the environment, but we're also cutting down on unnecessary company costs.
"From past experience Christmas cards tend to clutter up workspace, and now that we’re more aware of environmental issues across the world, it seems only logical that we should try to cut back on waste wherever possible. Envirowise's free e-card service shows that there are 'greener' options for businesses to choose from without losing the spirit of Christmas!"
Robbie Weir, Envirowise Programme Manager for Scotland, said:
"Year on year, an excessive amount of paper waste is generated during the Christmas season, however, the success of last year's campaign highlights the fact that Scottish businesses are placing more importance on reducing their environmental impact.
"While we fully understand how important it is for firms to acknowledge their customers and suppliers at this time of year, we urge them to avoid sending printed cards. Scottish businesses are set to send almost 20 million cards this Christmas which will create an estimated 331 tonnes of waste.5
"Without dampening the Christmas spirit during a period when many businesses will be feeling the pinch, its time for a more responsible approach to Christmas cards in the workplace. Not only is the e-card system fun and easy to use, it also allows businesses to demonstrate their commitment to the environment – and make welcomed cost savings too."
Businesses can register online to use the free e-Christmas cards at www.envirowise.gov.uk/e-card until noon Thursday 18th December 2008.
Notes to editors:
- Based on 279,495 private sector enterprises in Scotland (Office for National Statistics) and 28% of Scottish companies send out at least 250 Christmas cards each year (YouGov Survey Results 2007).
- Evidence from 'Project Garbage', a pioneering archaeology project that excavated landfill sites in the US, suggests that most materials do not biodegrade normally in landfill, largely due to a lack of oxygen and water. Amongst a wide range of items, the project unearthed 30 year old newspapers that were perfectly legible and showed no signs of biodegradation.
- With the average cost of a Christmas card at 50p and first class stamp currently priced at 36p.
- www.envirowise.gov.uk
- Assuming the average weight of a Christmas card as 20g.
For more information, please contact:
Laura McKenzie or Jennifer Niccolls on 0131 226 2363. Alternatively please email laura.mcKenzie@trimediauk.com or jennifer.niccolls@trimediauk.com
About Envirowise
Envirowise, funded by the Scottish Government, is dedicated to putting the sustainable use of resources at the heart of Scottish business practice.
Since 1994 Envirowise has helped UK businesses save over £1bn by enabling them to significantly reduce their environmental footprints.
Envirowise offers businesses of all sizes and sectors a wide range of free, independent and practical advice designed to genuinely improve their processes, profitability and competitiveness. Services include:
- The Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 585794
- An encyclopaedic website (www.envirowise.gov.uk/scotland) of valuable and relevant information
- On-site visits conducted by a nationwide team of expert advisors
- Over 200 events each year, from Product Design Workshops to major exhibitions
- A nationwide network of Resource Efficiency Clubs offering peer-to-peer support