Almost all businesses use some form of greeting cards, whether they be for Christmas, a birthday or for event invitations. Educate yourself with recycled greeting card key terms to choose cards that work for your business and that are better for the environment. Many people become confused when discussing newer topics such as "earth-friendly," "post-consumer fiber" and "going green." Understanding the meaning of these terms is the first step in ordering recycled greeting cards.

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Green

Green is no longer just a color. The term 'green' or 'going green' refers to the choice to be more environmentally friendly. 'Going green,' as defined by the EPA, is the attempt to reduce the impact on the environment.

I recommend: Gain a better understanding of the term "green" by reading descriptions at LifeOrganizers.com. Read more information about living green at Graphic Define Magazine.

Earth-friendly or eco-friendly

Earth-friendly and eco-friendly are similar to 'green,' but these terms refer to processing or manufacturing. An eco-friendly process is one that produces little to no toxic or harmful waste as a result of manufacturing.

I recommend: Discover more information about earth-friendly or eco-friendly processes at BioSmart. Green America supplies information about different types of earth-friendly or eco-friendly products.

Motif or design

The motif or design of a recycled greeting card is the theme or layout of the card. A motif is used on many cards and generally is related to a holiday or occasion. A design can be used for one or many cards and does not have to have any relation to the content of the card.

I recommend: Read more about motifs and designs from Lillian A. Whipple. InsiderSites provides information about designing cards.

Stock designs

stock designs are generic designs used for greeting cards. An example of stock designs is Christmas cards that come in bulk or in boxes at retail stores. Stock designs are available for most occasions and holidays.

I recommend: Sohnen-Moe Associates provides more information about stock greeting cards.

Card stock

Card stock is a type of paper used in card making. Card stock is thicker than regular paper and is available in a variety of colors and textures.

I recommend: Find details about card stock sizes and quality at wiseGEEK. View more information about card stock at Article Alley.

Post-consumer fiber

Post-consumer fiber includes paper and other products used and then separated from other waste to be recycled. In the greeting card industry, post-consumer fiber is essentially recycled paper and ink.

I recommend: Learn more about post consumer fiber at Erich.

Boost your sales by marketing recycled greeting cards to customers concerned about the environment. Created with varying amounts of post consumer fiber, recycled cards are as thick as regular cards with the same print quality. The eco-friendly versions are also as colorful, expressive and marketable as their traditional counterparts.

Keep your sales consistent throughout the year by choosing a well-rounded inventory from a recycled greeting cards directory or manufacturer to suit a variety of occasions. When choosing recycled greeting cards, try to:

1. Offer holiday specific recycled greeting cards to promote during big sale seasons such as Christmas and Valentine's Day.

2. Stock funny and sentimental recycled greeting cards for birthdays that will be in demand all year long.

3. Find recycled greeting cards for assorted occasions like Mother’s Day, graduations, memorial services and “just because” to round out your inventory.

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Sell recycled greeting cards that customers will mail and give with gifts on popular holidays

From Valentine's Day to Christmas, customers will want earth-friendly recycled greeting cards to celebrate the season with family and friends. Stock designs that appeal to buyers of different ages, since kids, spouses, teachers, parents and grandparents alike buy holiday cards. Also, cater to diverse senses of humor, faith traditions and tastes.

I recommend: Get quantity discounts on recycled greeting cards for Christmas through a distributor like Celebrate the Season. Click on the desired design for pricing information, which includes volume discounts. Order cards in bulk through recycled greeting cards provider CardsDirect. Its designs range from Thanksgiving to Christmas, Valentine’s Day and beyond.

Market recycled greeting cards for birthdays to drive sales throughout the year

Unlike holiday designs, birthday cards will be consistent sellers from January through December. Choose recycled greeting cards with motifs and colors that complement the natural look and tiny inclusions often found in recycled cardstock.

I recommend: Get quantity discounts on birthday cards and versions for occasions like anniversaries and holidays through the Brookhollow Collection. Click on the card photo for specific styles, pricing details and additional recycled greeting cards information. Doodle Greetings offers a variety of whimsical birthday cards on earth-friendly paper at bulk prices.

Promote recycled greeting cards that can be used for other occasions and as thank you notes

Whether it's Mother's Day, Father's Day or ordinary days that deserve a sentimental note, you'll find recycled greeting cards to suit them. Customers will also appreciate a wide selection of blank cards they can use for occasions that crop up throughout the year.

I recommend: The Gallery Collection offers quantity discounts on “thank you,” anniversary and all-occasion cards from its recycled greeting card collection. Select the desired quantity to discover the bulk price. Get bulk pricing on “thank you” and “congratulations” cards featuring natural images through Recycled Greeting Cards, where shipping is free and volume discounts are available.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Keep a recycled greeting cards list at the counter so employees can quickly identify and retrieve specific manufacturers, card lines and designs when customers ask for eco-friendly options. Break the list into themes to make individual cards easier to find.