Each year billions of Christmas cards are made. Christmas cards bring an enormous amount of joy and pleasure to many people and they help you to stay in contact with families and friends. After the festive season, the question arises about what to do with the old cards. This year instead of throwing out your old cards, consider donating them to charitable groups, or reuse them yourself. The Australian Post has for some years been distributing millions of free envelopes that people can use to post their old cards to a charity organisation. This is a commendable idea that might inspire others.

1. Support Christmas card Recycle Schemes. These recycle schemes are run by charities and you usually find bins outside participating shops after Christmas. You can search the internet to see which ones are working in your area. The usually run from the beginning of January till the end of the month. The cards will usually be taken to paper mills where they will be recycled into new paper products. Note that some charities have been overwhelmed with the responses and they cannot accept cards. So double-check that the information is correct before you send off your cards. Alternatively, why not recycle them yourself?
2. Reusing the cards is a great way to recycle. If you have children, or grandchildren – put the cards in a big box, and use them for Christmas craft activities next year. You can make Christmas boxes, learning games, gift tags, gift bags, bookmarks, Christmas confetti etc. Gift tags are easy to make, simply cut out shapes or pictures and punch a hole. The only limitation is your imagination. You can of course also use the card for arts and crafts throughout the year. Keep a box for special interesting colours and patterns.
3. If you are not in a creative mood, consider donating your box of old cards to nurseries or school. Put the cards in a box, mark a date in your calendar well before Christmas 2009, and take the box to the school. It will be appreciated, just make sure that it is fine for you to donate the cards before you drop them off.
4. Take your cards to old peoples’ home. The older generation are good at recycling and they might find solutions and enjoyment from pondering about how to reuse the cards. Phone up and ask if it is fine for you to donate your cards first.
5. Envelops can be easily reused. Simply put a plain label over the address. Remember when you are sending cards not to stick down the envelope. It makes the easier for your friends to reuse.
6. Use the cards for scrap booking, creative and cheap!

Next Christmas consider sending e-cards to some of your friends, and let them recycle in their memories. There are now some beautiful e-cards available.