Member-only story
Special Christmas Greetings to You
It’s beginning to look a lot like rubbish…
Capitalist excess? Who really gets the cheer?
Not long ago, I sent friends Christmas cards, and wrote my messages in pencil. I thought my words could be erased and the cards re-sent the next year to someone else. Instead of thinking of our planet, we could act.
It didn’t go down well. In fact, no-one used my idea, so every time someone complained of consumerism or wastage, I couldn’t help but remind them.
That probably wasn’t my best effort either. Don’t preach. Do.
But why do people keep sending Christmas and New Year cards — the paper versions, when they know how polluted the earth is? And who doesn’t throw them in the bin in January?
Once, when cards were arty and original, I’d re-use their images, but these days more and more people buy those packs. 20 cards for $2. Often they are all of the same bland and generic. You get a few options: the three so-called wise men, a bauble or words in silvery font.
The beautiful cards are expensive, but still go down the same path to the bin.
A decade ago, I began sending ecards and discovered some people either dislike them or can’t use the internet. I grew tired of saying just click on it.
