How to Recycle Greeting Cards?

Answer 1

Greeting cards are common to give and receive. Often cards are read just once and then put away in a drawer or box. Some are even thrown away. Save money and resources by recycling greeting cards into useful items.

1) Gather and Sort Greeting Cards – Collect all greeting cards and sort them into piles based on the amount of usable area each card contains. Cards both large and small are perfect for making gift tags or to use for a variety of craft projects. Also, look for writing on the inside of each card front and set aside any that are smooth and blank to be recycled into postcards.

2) Recycle Greeting Cards into Postcards – Mailing a postcard costs about half the price of postage for a card in an envelope. Recycle greeting card fronts into postcards when possible. Simply cut the card front to the size required by the postal service and draw a line vertically down the center on the blank side. Use one half for the address and stamp and the other half for a message.

3) Make Gift Tags from Greeting Cards – Graphics on greeting cards can be used to make an endless supply of gift tags. Use decorative edge scissors to cut several tags from each card front. Tags can be any shape or size so be creative. The message on the inside of the card is often appropriate to use as a gift tag, as well. To fashion folded tags, strategically cut on the fold of the card to include a graphic on the front with a blank area inside on which to write. Punch a hole in each tag and attach to a gift with yarn or ribbon.

4) Use Greeting Cards for Craft Projects – Whether for kids or adults, recycled greeting cards are great for a variety of craft projects such as collage, scrapbook pages or homemade cards. Use both the graphics and message, when possible. Check the back of each card for often-overlooked graphics, as well. Use small, sharp scissors to cut flowers, animals or other printed motifs. Separate all cut pieces into categories and keep on hand for craft projects throughout the year.