Sustainability
When I first started Jess A Little Creative, I knew the business had to be sustainable. I feel such anxiety about the current climate crisis, so I am trying my best to run the most eco-friendly greeting card business that I can, and I am always striving to find ways to do more, and be better. If you have any suggestions or ways you think I could improve, please let me know! But for now, this is what I’m doing to live up to be a sustainable greeting card business…
Card
All of my cards are printed on FSC-certified card. What does this mean? FSC Certified means certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). They are a non-profit organisation that sets certain high standards to make sure that forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible way. Card that is FSC Certified means it meets their standards of ethical production, and has come from forests that are responsibly managed, socially beneficial, environmentally conscious, and economically viable.
Most of my cards are now also printed on recycled card. This means in addition to being FSC certified, the card has come from previously disposed of materials, and given a second life. This sometimes means the card stock has little flecks and marks in it, but I actually think it adds to the charm and gives it a more natural appearance!
Envelopes
The majority of my cards come supplied with a kraft brown, recycled envelope. Again, these are made from 100% recycled materials, and are giving a second life to previously used materials.
Some of my cards are supplied with white envelopes, but these are also completely recyclable. Please check each individual product description before ordering to see which envelope each card is supplied with.
Packaging
Most of my cards are packaged in plastic-free, compostable sleeves made from vegetable starch, to protect them. These can be disposed of in your compost heap at home, or popped in your food waste bin, and will decompose naturally, without causing harm to the environment.
Some of my cards are supplied in clear plastic sleeves, purely because when I first started the business I didn't know the biodegradable alternative existed! These are made from recycled plastic. Please check each individual product description before ordering to see which packaging each card is supplied in.
All orders are sent in board backed-envelopes.
Production
All my cards are designed and printed in the UK. I was very keen to use a UK printer to reduce air miles and ensure my cards were travelling the least distance possible. In the future, I would like to use a printing company based closer to my home in Cheltenham.
Design
All of my cards are printed onto uncoated card stock, and don’t use any foiling, glitter, or 3D elements. This ensures that if they are disposed of, they are fully recyclable. Of course I hope that people will want to hold onto, frame, and treasure their cards for years to come. But by not including things like glitter and foil on my cards, it does mean if they end up in the recycling bin, they are easily recycled and won’t be putting any harmful materials into the environment.
Shipping
I reduce my trips to the Post Office in the car as much as possible, walk if I can, and hand deliver local orders in Cheltenham to save resources and energy. I currently only ship to the UK, to also reduce air miles. If this changes in the future, I will be sure to find a way to offset these extra air miles in my business.
Ecologi
I am now signed up with Ecologi, which means that one tree will be planted for every order placed on this website. Ecologi work incredibly hard, making positive change and inspiring action to help our planet and climate. They have already planted over 45 million trees as part of their climate efforts, and I can't wait to see orders from Jess A Little Creative help that number increase.