Making the switch to recycled business cards is a noble choice and a good one. It's also easier today than it has ever been.
Recycled business cards are more available than ever… and they're worthy of your consideration. When you think about the amount of paper that's used every day to print up new ones it's easy to see why.
Some people (stemming from an interest in either environmentalism or technology) believe people should stop buying business cards altogether. They support digital business card options that are available…like iphone apps and other web-based identifiers,
to their "environmentally-inferior" paper counterparts.
In some ways, they have a point.
But as a business person and marketer, I understand the value of traditional business cards. I know that a physical card can show a lot more style and substance. I know that good graphic design, good content, and unique effects like embossing and die-cutting can make a more dramatic and lasting impression.
I also believe that standard business cards allow for a level of creativity that's lost with digital alternatives.
I guess I love business cards (and all of the neat things people do with them) a little to much to jump on that bandwagon.
That's why recycled business cards are such an attractive option.
They allow the tangible and creative benefits of business cards to continue, while reducing the impact the medium has on our planet.
What's nice is that green printers are popping up more and more, making it a more viable option for everyone. In the best cases, these printers do everything from offering an entire line of recycled paper products to offsetting their emissions and operating as a carbon neutral company. Very cool.
Even some of the big traditional online printing companies offer 100% recycled paper business cards. It's a move they make the more their customers demand them.
So demand them! (demand chlorine free paper too!)
The truth is, recycled paper cards look pretty much the same as traditional cards. In some cases they may look a little grainier, but rarely will that detract from the ability of the card to perform its function.
On the contrary, having recycled business cards may even win you some new customers or… earn you a job! Having them says a lot about you and many of your recipients will enthusiastically support your green decision.
So give it some thought!
The next time you get business cards made… look for a company that offers 100% recycled post-consumer paper. The planet thanks you.
