All Wild Lines greeting cards are as eco-friendly as possible. But what does that really mean?
In a world where environmental concerns are more pressing than ever, the choices we make as consumers and businesses can have a profound impact on our planet. At Wild Lines, sustainability isn't just a buzzword - it's a commitment that informs every aspect of our business. From the materials we use to our production processes, our goal is to provide eco-friendly cards and gifts that reflect our passion for wildlife and the natural world.
The elephant in the room
Let's address the elephant in the room: can a greeting cards business ever truly be sustainable? It might seem contradictory, since cards are a short-lived product. They are bought, displayed for a few weeks and - often - dropped into the recycling bin.
So how can we claim to be an eco-friendly business while producing a product that seems disposable by its nature?
This question touches on a broader issue of sustainability and waste in our society. Overconsumption is undoubtedly harmful to our planet. But for most people, it isn't a realistic option to cut out consuming everything that isn't strictly necessary for survival. We have to find a balance and make choices that we are comfortable with.
I wholeheartedly agree that buying a generic birthday card from a cheap card shop chain, writing a simple message inside and sending it to somebody you aren't even that close to is wasteful. The value doesn't outweigh the cost.
But when they are used for genuine connection, greeting cards can be so much more than just paper. They offer a beautiful, timeless way to express thoughts and feelings that can be cherished long after the initial occasion. They might be small and inexpensive, but the value a thoughtful greeting card can bring is priceless.
For many, cards are little pieces of art that bring buckets of joy. Wild Lines cards feature lots of unusual and endangered species that aren't commonly found on products. They are perfect for wildlife lovers. If you have an axolotl-adoring nephew or a fruit-bat-obsessed sister, gifting them a beautiful birthday or Christmas card featuring these animals is a memorable gesture that will fill them with delight!
Why cards still matter
In a digital world, where messages can be sent in an instant and forgotten just as quickly, the act of giving and receiving a physical card feels more intentional and meaningful.
Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just a thoughtful note to say thank you, a greeting card has the power to make someone feel appreciated. Unlike a text or email, a card is a tangible object that someone has taken the time to select, sign, and send - a physical manifestation of their care. And who doesn't love getting post in the mail?!
Even if a card's lifespan is short, the sentiment can last much longer. Some people keep their cards for years, displaying them on mantels, in frames on walls or tucking them away in memory boxes.
Earlier this year, I was approached by a woman who was terminally ill and had a nine-month-old baby. She wouldn't be there to celebrate his milestones and life events. We worked on a package including birthday cards, Christmas cards and cards for special occasions (like graduations, wedding day and new baby cards) for her to write for her child, so he could open them throughout his young life and feel her love during some of his biggest days.
This emotional value is what makes cards special. They’re not just pieces of paper - they’re mementos of moments that matter.
Cards as a sustainable choice
At Wild Lines, we believe that sustainability isn’t just about making things that last forever - it’s also about making things that matter. We’ve designed our cards to have as little impact on the environment as possible, using recycled and biodegradable materials. By choosing eco-friendly cards, we hope that you can still celebrate those special moments without compromising your environmental values.
In addition, when you purchase a card from a company that is committed to sustainability, you are supporting a larger movement toward responsible production and consumption. We believe that businesses - no matter how small - can make a difference when they prioritise eco-friendly practices. We are showing other companies - like our paper producers and packaging suppliers - that environmentally-friendly credentials matter to their customers.
Bringing wildlife into the limelight
Wildlife is at the core of everything we do, and it’s vital to us that our products reflect a deep respect for the natural world. Our hand-drawn animal illustrations capture the beauty of popular animals like sloths and gorillas, as well as more unusual and endangered species like pangolins and aye ayes.
Our designs are made for people who are passionate about the natural world. They are perfect cards for conservationists, zoologists and ecologists. I don't just draw a birthday gorilla card; I draw a birthday western lowland gorilla card, with its characteristic brow ridge! The names of the species featured on our cards are printed on the backs. It’s our way of bringing the wonders of the wild into your everyday life, while also reminding us all to take care of the environment they depend on.
The sustainable credentials of our cards
Our eco-friendly cards are all made of FSC certified recycled board and packed with recycled envelopes, either naked (just put straight into the postal packaging) or in compostable, biodegradable sleeves. They are all recyclable (even the luxury gold foil collection). The cards are designed by hand in-house (by me!) and printed by a professional printer here in the UK.
We don't use any plastic in our packaging. Our orders are posted in paper-based, recyclable packaging; everything - from the boxes and envelopes to the stuffing and tape - is recyclable. This is true for our wholesale orders, too. Even our business card was designed with sustainability in mind! All orders include a bookmark made of recycled board and printed with a beautiful lemur design on the front, so you can keep it and cherish it - or even gift it to the recipient of the card or gift.
Why choosing eco-friendly cards matters
There are plenty of reasons to opt for eco-friendly cards, and it’s not just about reducing your carbon footprint. By choosing sustainable products, you’re actively supporting businesses that are part of the solution. You're contributing to the demand for ethical, environmentally responsible practices and helping shift the market towards a greener future.
Choosing eco-friendly options has a positive impact:
Reduced waste: By using recycled and biodegradable materials, you help reduce the waste that ends up in landfills.
Lower carbon footprint: Sustainable production methods emit fewer greenhouse gases, helping to combat climate change.
Preserving wildlife habitats: Responsible sourcing of paper helps prevent deforestation and protects habitats that endangered species call home.
It frustrates me that so few greeting card companies opt for recycled materials. The vast majority of card publishers in the UK use FSC certified sustainably sourced - but not recycled - boards. There is an extra cost to choosing recycled boards, but it is very small. And you are more limited on the types of board you can use (annoyingly, there aren't any luxury textured boards available that are made of recycled materials yet!) but it's a small price to pay and the boards that are available are still beautiful and high quality.
A future of sustainable cards and gifts
At Wild Lines, we believe that creating beautiful products and caring for the planet can go hand in hand. We’re always looking for new ways to improve our sustainability efforts and expand our range of eco-friendly cards and gifts, including art prints, stationery, colouring books, and calendars - all made with the same dedication to the environment as our cards.
As more people make the shift to eco-friendly products, we’re excited to be part of a growing movement toward responsible, ethical consumerism. We’re grateful for our customers who share our passion for protecting wildlife and the planet, and we promise to continue providing eco-friendly cards, always.
Together, we can make a difference.
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