Just got my brand spankin’ new calling cards back from the printer and was so happy with the results I thought I’d share them!

I went green this time around and many people who’ve seen the cards have asked me where they can get their own cards done in the same environmentally friendly manner. Of course paper biodegrades, which is awesome. But why cut down forest upon forest when we don’t really have to?! Unless they are well-managed, sustainable forests, which are difficult to find, this is unacceptable.

Shawn Dell Joyce, author of SUSTAINABLE LIVING, reports that using virgin wood pulp creates a global warming feeback loop. Trees, our primary defense against atmospheric carbon, are cut down and processed, producing tons of carbon emissions, to make paper.

STOP THE MADNESS!!! Use recycled paper & be sure to recycle your paper when you’re finshed using it!!! I bring all of my old newspapers to the local animal shelter, which uses them for kitty litter. I use xerox paper on both sides in my desktop printer. I reuse envelopes, and recycle the rest with the town.

There are several places to print from in North America:
HIGH MOUNTAIN GRAPHICS
This uber-eco New Jersey based company offers first rate service, from the smallest job to the largest. Ask for Rick.

PRINTING FOR LESS
This Montana-based company uses recycled paper in all of it’s standard stock. Note, it is not POST CONSUMER recycled, but their own recycled waste mixed with some virgin pulp. They print with soy-based inks and they have an aqueous coating that is water-based. Typically, coatings are highly toxic and made with UV or urethane.

ECO PRINT
This Maryland based company is proudly carbon-neutral, offers 100% chorine-free post consumer recycled stock and offers two different types of veggie-based ink. (Veggie ink is even more environmentally friendly than soy ink.)

EN MASSE MEDIA
This Vancouver based company touts a wide assortment of chlorine-free 100% post consumer recycled stock options and uses a veggie-based ink.

GREENER PRINTER
This California based company uses a chlorine-free blend of post consumer & mill leftover recycled paper and and soy-based inks. I had my cards made here and I love ‘em.

GREEN PRINTER based in canada – a tip from my knowledgeable reader alen.

GREG BARBER COMPANY based in new jersey. they make recycled drink coasters!!

PLAN IT GREEN PRINTING based in California as well. (they specialize in eco-stickers)

AMERICAN COASTER makes recycled coasters with 30% post consumer waste and 70% virgin pulp from MANAGED forests.

cheap, cheap, cheap 100% post consumer recycled business cards at 123 PRINT.

recycled postcards are available at WGI PRINT.

JAKPRINTS offers a “light green” printing operation wtih soy ink & 30% post consumer recycled stock options

get recycled paper wedding invitations HERE

1800POSTCARDS now makes all postcards from FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL CERTIFIED paper. yah!!!!

4OVER4.COM will plant trees with 15% of the proceeds from your order. they also are very environmentally friendly with the choice of their inks and paper sources. they list a wonderful Q & A on this topic which is really a pleasure to read and simple to understand. if you’re new to eco papers, it’s a must read.

OF THE EARTH offers specialty eco printing and papers.

THE PRINTING PLANET based in hollywood, florida, uses all FSC certified paper.

PREMIUM CARDS.NET offers 30% post consumer recycled paper content plus soy ink. the best though, is their “cocktail” and “cosmo” business cards!