Looking for something a bit different to send this year? Why not consider an attractive holiday greeting that is also earth friendly! Recycled greeting cards may be the perfect answer.

Recycled greetings have come a long way. It is almost difficult to tell which are printed on recycled paper now that paper processing has been refined to include nice, clean white paper made from recycled fibers. The recycled symbol printed on the back is your only clue in some instances!

Of course, if you prefer, brown Kraft recycled paper in which you can see some of the recycled fibers is still available. With hundreds of designs to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect seasonal greeting that also lets your customers, business associates, friends and family know that you are doing your part to help save planet Earth.

Consider sending a “green” greeting this year!

We have a winner for our $100 Shopping Spree Giveaway! Drumroll, please . . . . and the winner is . . . Tamara McDonald of Dallas, Texas! Tamara’s name was drawn from all those who participated by posting a comment about the cards they enjoyed finding on CardsDirect.com.

Tamara posted the following, “I would get holiday cards! I send out about 150 every year, so this would be a great help!”

The comments touched on just about every card category offered on the site. Many favored our new line of birth announcements with comments like, “There are so many cute birth announcements it is hard to choose! My sweet baby boy is a week old today and I’d love to send out the Centered Photo Birth Announcement PC5660.”

Others liked our Recycled Cards- “Luv the Vines Growing Recycled Thank You Card. Has the girly scrolling vines and a retro vibe.”

Photo Cards had a strong following too. “Love the Wildlife Print Photo Card to use for so many different occasions.”

And, as with Tamara, others are excited about our new line of Holiday Cards. “I love cards and I love giving fun and unique cards. I would love to send out some of those cute Christmas cards this year! ”

Go to www.hostessblog.com and type CardsDirect in the Search box to see all the entries and watch this CardsDirect.com/blog for future Surprise Giveaways! Congratulations, Tamara!

Today is May 1, also known as May Day.  This day holds special meaning in various parts of the world.  In the U.S., tradition calls for dancing around a maypole tied with colorful ribbons and surprising people by leaving flowers at their doorsteps.

Not having a maypole handy, or the funds for distant flower deliveries, I like to use this day as a reminder to remember friends and family with a surprise “Thinking of You” greeting card.  I have many friends I send Christmas Cards to and like to remember them midway through the year as well, which makes May Day the perfect mailing date for such an expression.

Sent for no particular reason, Thinking of You Cards are just opportunities to reconnect and surprise someone with a thoughtful gesture.  This floral design printed on recycled paper is my choice this year. 

Maybe you might like to start such a tradition yourself!

Last week was Earth Day and everyone was all abuzz about doing things to help save our planet. How about this week? Are you still a particpant?

CardsDirect was featured on a New York city television newscast on the subject. Take a look here. Let’s do all we can to keep the environmental buzz going and not let that green turn to yellow or worse!

Reuse, recycle and rejoice!

Elementary children are sending recycled Earth Day cards donated by CardsDirect to President Obama with statements on what they will do to help save the Earth. Here are several samples for your enjoyment!

What will you do to help protect our environment?!