The UK Eco-Friendly Birthday Cards To Celebrate Sustainably
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Celebrate your friends and family members’ big day sustainably, with this guide to the best eco-friendly birthday cards. I’ve found the best of the best in the UK – from recycled and plastic-free cards to plantable cards, and more.
According to Exeter University, the average greetings card has a carbon footprint comparable to having two cups of tea. It just goes to show you how everyday gestures can soon add up, and so I can understand why some people prefer to send e-cards.
For others, it is important to put pen to paper and send a physical card.
I have to admit, I do love sending physical birthday cards. I like taking a little bit of time out to pick a thoughtful card and write a message to the recipient. Especially when it comes to family and friends who live further away.
I feel like if I’m not able to spend time with them on their birthday, then sending a birthday card is the next best thing to being able to have two cups of tea with them in person!
Likewise, I get really excited on my birthday when I see a handwritten card from a loved one land on my doormat. It’s such a simple and easy way to show we care, in a way that e-cards don’t always achieve.
The good news is that there are ways to send sustainable and eco-friendly birthday cards with people and the planet in mind, so that you can reduce your carbon footprint without giving up the tradition altogether. I’ve even found some beautiful cards that can be planted in your garden.
The Best Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Birthday Cards
Here are the best eco-friendly cards I’ve come across in the UK to help spread sustainable joy to your loved ones on their birthday.
The key points I’ve looked out for when selecting these cards are the things that have made the biggest difference in my own card-buying habits. These being:
- The cards are glitter-free. Glitter is a microplastic, and glitter-based cards can’t be recycled easily.
- There is no plastic wrapping. It’s not necessary – it’s easy enough for brands to go without or use compostable bags.
- The cards are made from recycled materials and/or can easily be recycled.
- Cards are FSC-certified. FSC certification is important as it means all paper used comes from recycled and responsibly managed sources, helping to protect forests and the wildlife that depends on them. This links back to that “two cups of tea” footprint I mentioned earlier, because better paper sourcing really does matter.
- It’s a bonus if the cards are plantable, as this gives them a second life.
- And they should be made in the UK to help reduce their carbon footprint.
This means even if you don’t end up buying from any of these brands, you know what to look out for when shopping.
On to the brands:
Sofia Papa Designs
Sophia Papa Designs (available at Etsy for £3.95) is a Bristol-based print designer who creates beautiful illustrated greetings cards based on the themes of nature and wildlife.
Sophia Papa’s birthday cards are printed in the UK on plantable seed paper and come with a recycled kraft paper envelope. It’s then packaged in a compostable, biodegradable, and recyclable cellophane bag.
The cards can be personalised, for no extra cost, and full instructions on how to plant the seed card are provided on the back of the card. It’s a lovely option if you want something personal without increasing the environmental impact.
Green Tulip
Green Tulip (from £1.90), an online eco-friendly gift shop, is a great place to try for cards. Designed to support more responsible and sustainable shopping choices, its lovely range of sustainable birthday cards are all made with cardstock from certified sustainably managed forests.
Find cards for every recipient here – from kids to grown-ups. It’s also a good option if you’re buying cards alongside other eco-conscious gifts – Green Tulip has a great range of gifts for every occasion and recipient.
Get 10% off your first order when you sign up for the Green Tulip mailing list.
Little Green Paper Shop
Little Green Paper Shop (from £4.25 on Etsy) sells beautiful plantable birthday and greeting cards. All the seeds in their cards are on the approved Royal Horticultural Society’s list of Plants for Pollinators. This means your card will support bees, butterflies, and all other pollinators.
Planting instructions are printed on the back of every card, and a recycled and recyclable kraft paper envelope is included with every card too.
Whistlefish
Whistlefish is a great place to stock up on sustainable greeting cards. With a great 10 for £12 offer (working out at £1.20 per card), and a whole host of cards to choose from for every recipient, taste, and interest, you can’t really go wrong here. This makes them especially handy if you like to keep a card drawer stocked.
Its cards are completely plastic-free, swapping unnecessary single-use materials for recyclable alternatives. Every card and envelope is made using FSC-certified paper. Meanwhile, the use of vegetable-based inks is kinder to waterways.
Get 15% off your first order when you sign up for the Whistlefish mailing list.
Erika’s Whimsical Art
Finally, Erika’s Whimsical Art (£4.95 on Etsy) sells tree-free, eco-friendly plantable birthday and greetings cards.
Instead of paper, these cards are made from 100% pre-consumer recycled cotton that degrades naturally in the soil. The seeds include Sweet Alyssum, Poppy, Baby’s Breath, and Basil. These are non-invasive species that can be grown in pots and left outside for bees and other pollinators.
Simple planting instructions are printed on the back of the card so that after the recipient is done, the card can transform into beautiful flowers.
Do note that the card comes in what looks like a plastic bag. This is actually a compostable cornstarch bag that ensures your card arrives in the best condition.
More Sustainable Birthday Resources
Whilst we are on the subject of birthdays, I’ve got heaps of resources to help make celebrations more eco-friendly. These are especially helpful if you’re trying to reduce waste across the whole day, not just the card:
- Try my guide to eco-friendly gift ideas for sustainable gifts all under £50.
- You can also try my post on eco-friendly wrapping paper ideas in case you need any extra inspiration!
- I’ve got a guide to sustainable stationery that might come in handy, too.
- And when the time comes, don’t forget to check out my guide to charity Christmas cards.
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Lovely post. We can also recommend Greentings reusable cards made entirely from post-consumer waste – they come with three inserts and envelopes and you can even track where in the world your card ends up using the unique serial code which is printed inside the card at the Greentings website.