[ Green Quiz Challenge – Holiday Greeting Cards ]

Green Quiz – Holiday Greeting Cards

This time of year, it’s often no surprise to find a mailbox full of Valentine greetings and catalogs advertising chocolates, flowers, and oversized stuffed animals. Americans buy greeting cards for just about every occasion including birthdays, weddings, Christmas, Halloween, Hanukkah, and of course, everyone’s favorite romantic holiday: Valentine’s Day. But do we really need billions of paper reminders to feel the love? 

This month we’re taking a cold hard look at the impact all those adorable and quirky greeting cards have on our environment. Have an idea just how many cards we purchase in the U.S. each year? Last month we asked you: How many greeting cards do Americans purchase annually?  

A. 3 billion    B. 6 billion   C. 7 billion     D. 9 billion

The correct answer is C. 7 Billion! Congratulations to our green quiz winners!

With all of those greetings piling up, Valentine’s Day is the perfect holiday to give these small mementos a second life. Before tossing your cards in the trash, consider reusing them for scrap booking, collages, picture frames or as smaller greetings for next year’s holiday. If you’re not one for holding onto your greetings, try donating them to an art program, scout troop, or day care, or simply sort them into your paper recycling bin.

Still looking for that perfect Valentine surprise for your sweetheart? There’s still time left! For this Valentine’s Day, we’ve rounded up some great last-minute ideas for sharing your love for that special someone AND the environment.

• Love dolphins, penguins, tigers, and polar bears? Or know someone who does? Check out these free Valentine e-cards from Ocean Conservancy, World Wildlife Fund, and Conservation International.
• From great organic coffee, chocolate, and inspiration for the perfect romantic picnic, Rainforest Alliance has you covered with their Valentine’s Day Green Guide.
• Remember how much fun Valentine’s Day was as a kid? For some special Vday kid’s craft projects, check out these nature-inspired ideas from National Wildlife Federation.
• If flowers are your style, swing by your local farmers’ market for a fresh bouquet of your favorites. Need help? Check out this top farmers market finder from American Farmland Trust.
• Single this Valentine’s Day? Find your perfect mate at Defenders of Wildlife’s Online Adoption Center.

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