'Earth-friendly Greeting Cards That Keep On Giving'

Whether you believe the world is in the midst of global warming or not, there's no denying that consumer waste is having a negative impact on the environment.

All you have to do is look at your nearest landfill to see we humans and our disposable lifestyles are filling every available space. It's not just the rainforests being cut down but every empty plot of land developers can get their hands on seem to be disappearing.

It's one thing to say you're going to sell or buy earth-friendly products. That's one small step each of us can easily make. But what do you do with those products once they've served their purpose?

Sure it's easy to say "I'm not going to send greeting cards when I can send a e-card which won't end up in a landfill" but with technology taking over ever aspect of our life; it's nice to receive something beautiful that isn't virtual.

Yes, our greeting cards are earth-friendly. They're made using sustainable resources like sugar cane bagasse and the kenaf plant. The images are dyed using soy based inks. But what do you do with your cards when you're done?

Here's some ideas I've tried with my own greeting cards:

• Frame them. You might think a 5 x 7 inch card is too small for framing but take four of them and they make a great collage on your wall.
• Decorate the top of a plain wooden box or trinket box. It's amazing how a simple picture added to the top of a box can suddenly transform an object.
• Decorate a plain flower pot or flower box by covering with a clear polycoat finish.
• Make your own photo album or journal by laminating your old card to a piece of coloured card stock.
• Re-use your card as a postcard simply by using the picture part of the card.

The possibilities are endless and you're taking an inexpensive piece of artwork and transforming into a family heirloom or decorative accessory in your home. They'll even make a great gift.