Send Warm Wishes with Eco-Friendly Edible Cards
Greetings Which Can Be Consumed Help Keep Special Occasions Green
Jan 12, 2009
These companies, based mostly in the UK, are leading the way for environmentally-friendly greetings. One such company, the Oxygen Creative graphic design agency, has developed edible Christmas cards. These cards are made of potato starch paper and feature a bowl of Brussels sprouts on the front cover. The designs are made with food coloring, rather than standard ink, and the inventors bought a brand-new printer that they modified just for that purpose.
Popularity and Shortcomings
Roughly 200 of these environmentally-friendly cards were produced in 2008, and the hope is that even more will be made in the coming years. There is even hope for improvement with future card production. In the article, “Edible Sprout Christmas Card Made”, Malcolm Buttel of the Oxygen Creative admitted to the BBC that this year’s cards were “not very tasty," but next year they "are thinking of doing flavoured ones.” Despite the fact that these cards might not have been the tastiest this time around, there were still dedicated consumers; Buttel goes on to say that at least “one of the recipients has eaten his card already.”
Buttel isn't the only one who is acknowledging the strengths and weaknesses in the new creations. Steve Lodge, the managing director of the Oxygen Creative also commented to the press on the shortcomings of the cards, saying that “the potato starch paper isn’t really designed for this sort of thing, so it is a bit weak.” But, he is also quick to point out that they do “stand upright like ordinary cards.”
Keep It…Or Eat It
When considering an alternative to the traditional paper greeting cards though, the environmentally-friendly nature of these cards certainly outweighs any apparent weaknesses. After all, if you would like to hold onto the card as a keepsake, you are able to do so; but, if you’re not the type to get sentimental over a greeting, you can consume it rather than toss it out. This makes for a cleaner environment and a more eco-friendly holiday.
Make It Yourself
But wait, there’s more. Oxygen Creative is not alone in their effort to produce edible cards. In fact, if you’re not interested in ordering from a store and having the card shipped out, Cook UK will show you how to make your own edible cards at home. This resource features recipes for creative and edible cards which employ similar materials to those used by Oxygen Creative.
These recipes also use potato starch paper, but rather than food coloring for ink, icing is used to create the perfect card for any occasion. The only down-side is that these cards won’t keep as long as those created by Oxygen Creative; the website for Cook UK reports that the homemade cards will only last about four days. If longevity is of no concern, then this option too is a good alternative to the traditional card and can be a very enjoyable family activity.
Don't Forget About Fido
But, while you’re busy making or ordering cards for loved ones, be sure you don’t forget about your canine. In an effort to include dogs in the edible card action, The Yorkshire Pet Shop now offers edible cards made of 100% rawhide. These cards are decorated with natural vegetable coloring and are safe for consumption by dogs. They can be purchased for £6.99 through the Yorkshire Pet Shop website and free delivery is available on all orders.
Don’t Be Left Out
It seems that edible cards are here to stay, for both humans and our four-legged friends. Luckily for us, it also seems that the taste and appearance will only be improved upon as time passes. So, in the coming months, as occasions for celebration arise, do the planet a favor and consider the possibility of saving the environment as you write your notes of gratitude and congratulations.
