Do Your Part, How to Be and Live Green in Charlotte, NC

There are many times when we want to send a greeting card or note to a friend or family member. Do Your Part to pick ones which won't go to waste!

Here's a fabulous idea - send a "Grow-A-Note". These handmade cards have wildflower seeds embedded right in the paper! All you do is plant them, water them, and watch them grow. Greenfield Paper makes them and they have lots of varieties for every occassion - from Birthdays to Valentine's Day to even beautiful blank ones. They're eco-friendly and unique at the same time!

Or, if a more traditional card is what you're looking for - check the back of it and make sure it is made with recycled content. Some Hallmark cards are now marked with a green icon to show that it is made from paper which comes from sustainably managed forests, recycled paper, or other eco-friendly sources.

Another option - send an e-card. Many of the biggest card companies offer them for free now. But, different environmental organizations are getting in on they act. The Arbor Day Foundation offers electronic cards called "Give a Tree." For a small donation, they'll send one to the person of your choice and a tree in one of our National Forests will be planted in their name. The World Wildlife Fund offers e-cards for free and so does The Nature Conservancy.

So, the next time you send off a note or card, Do Your Part to show the person you're sending it to - that you really care!

To Learn More Visit:

1. Greenfield Paper
2. Arbor Day Foundation's "Give a Tree"
3. World Wildlife Fund
4. The Nature Conservancy