With almost 20% of UK companies sending out at least 250 Christmas cards each year, the time has come, according to Envirowise, for responsible business to lead the way in a festive revolution.
Three-quarters of a billion Christmas cards are likely to be sent this year, each with an associated financial and environmental cost. Sustainable business expert Envirowise is urging UK companies to switch to sending their season's greetings electronically - and with the festivities fast approaching, have given them the way to do so.
Financial cost, uncertainty over delivery times, environmental awareness; these are all good reasons to switch to electronic greetings cards this festive season, and once again Envirowise is giving UK businesses a free helping hand.
The Envirowise online e-Christmas card campaign is now in its third year; last year subscribers sent more than 54,800 e-cards, saving over a tonne of paper, not to mention the environmental costs of production and delivery. The goal this year is for even more savings - for the environment as much as for business.
"If each of the 4.3 million private sector enterprises in the UK sends just one Christmas card to clients or customers this year, that represents expenditure of over £1 million1 on stamps alone," commented programme director Dr Martin Gibson.
"What's more difficult to put a price on are the savings that will be made before and after - in the actual production of the card and what at the end of its life in January. Recycling is obviously a recognisable component of our environmentally aware culture, but why not cut out the middle man? By not sending printed cards, we won't have to deal with the consequences."
Economic and environmental pressures combine to suggest an etiquette for Christmas cards in the workplace. John Holbrow, Environment Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses comments: "It is obviously important for companies to acknowledge their customers and suppliers at this time of year. But what we also need to acknowledge is the cost to business and the environment. With ever increasing costs for businesses, they should look to make savings where they can. Why not do both, sustaining profits and the environment. The Envirowise eChristmas card campaign is a good place to start for a sustainable Christmas."
Businesses can register online to use the free e-Christmas cards at www.envirowise.gov.uk/e-card. Templates can be personalised by choosing from twelve separate designs, and adding a company logo and personal message.
Issued on behalf of Envirowise by The Mistral Group. For more information contact, Alison Hill or Lucinda Roberts on 01869 352 722 / alison.hill@mistral-pr.co.uk or 01869 352 729 / lucinda.roberts@mistral-pr.co.uk
About Envirowise
Envirowise is a Government-funded programme dedicated to putting the sustainable use of resources at
the heart of UK 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 Environment and Energy Advice Line on 0800 585794
- An encyclopaedic website 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
* Please note that different services are available in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales – please contact our Advice Line on 0800 585 794 for more information on whether you are eligible for a site visit.