Sustainability
Sustainable is one of Jess A Little Creative's brand values, and will always be at the very heart of my greeting card business. When I first started Jess A Little Creative, I knew the business had to be sustainable. 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 be more sustainable…
FSC-certified card
All of my greeting cards are printed on FSC-certified card. 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.
In addition to being FSC-certified, the card my greeting cards are printed on is also made from 40% recycled cup fibre - I think it's a pretty cool use for old cups! Using a card stock with an element of recycled material means it sometimes 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 eco kraft brown, recycled envelope. These are made from 100% recycled materials, and are giving a second life to previously used materials.
Some of my greeting cards are supplied with white envelopes (these are being phased out and will soon be fully replaced by the eco kraft envelops mentioned above), but these are also completely recyclable. Please check each individual product description before ordering to see which envelope each greeting card is supplied with.
Packaging
I am very proud to use completely plastic-free packaging. Small orders are sent in a board-backed envelope (completely recyclable), and larger orders are wrapped in tissue paper and then packed in a cardboard postal box which is secured with paper tape (again all completely recyclable and plastic-free).
Printing
All my greeting cards are designed and printed in the UK. I was very keen to use a UK printer to reduce air miles. All my greeting cards are professionally printed by a family-run specialist greeting card printing company in Kent. They use high resolution digital presses to ensure the highest quality print and striking colour reproduction.
They also have very impressive eco-credentials, including a warehouse powered by solar panels! It is amazing to partner with other small businesses who share my passion for sustainability.
Design
All of my greeting 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. Though of course I hope that people will want to keep, frame, and treasure their greeting cards for years to come!
Shipping
I walk to my local Post Office rather than drive, and hand-deliver local orders in Cheltenham to save resources and energy.
Ecologi
I am proud to partner with Ecologi, who plant one tree for every order placed on my website. This comes at an extra cost to me, I do not pass any of that fee onto my customers.
Ecologi work incredibly hard, making positive change and inspiring action to help our planet and climate, and I am so pleased to be able to contribute to their efforts, and help plant trees through sales of Jess A Little Creative greeting cards.
.................................................................................................................................
I am always striving to find ways to be more sustainable, please do contact me if you have any suggestions! Thanks for reading, Jess x