Business cards have been around for centuries, providing an effective way for professionals to exchange contact information. However, with the increasing focus on sustainability and reducing our impact on the environment, the use of printed business cards has come under scrutiny. In this blog post, we will discuss the effects of printed business cards on the environment.
The first issue with printed business cards is the production process. The production of paper requires a significant amount of water, energy, and chemicals, leading to a high carbon footprint. According to the Environmental Paper Network, the production of one ton of paper requires 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, and 4,000 kWh of energy on average. This means that the production of printed business cards has a significant impact on the environment, contributing to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.
Furthermore, the disposal of printed business cards is also an environmental concern. Did you know that around 10 billion business cards are printed each year and 88% of those are thrown away within a week? But what’s even more astonishing is the fact that 7.2 million trees are cut down each year to provide the paper for these business cards! In many cases, business cards are discarded after a single use, leading to an accumulation of waste. While some may argue that paper is biodegradable and therefore not harmful to the environment, the reality is that the decomposition process of paper takes time and releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
In recent years, many companies have attempted to address these issues by adopting digital business cards. These cards can be shared through multiple digital methods, reducing the need for printed cards. Digital Business Cards assist a company in becoming more eco-friendly and reducing their carbon footprint.
So, what can be done to reduce the environmental impact of printed business cards? One solution is to adopt more sustainable practices in the production and disposal of business cards. This can include using recycled paper, printing on both sides of the card, and encouraging recipients to recycle or reuse the cards.
Another solution is to promote the use of digital business cards, while also providing the option for physical cards for those who prefer them. This can help to reduce the overall number of printed cards while still accommodating different preferences and needs. Should there be an employee who still wants a physical object in hand to network with, consider looking at CloudCard’s NFC accessory options.
In conclusion, the impact of printed business cards on the environment cannot be ignored. While digital business cards offer a more sustainable alternative, the adoption of a more modern way is a slight challenge for the older generation. By adopting more sustainable practices in the production and disposal of business cards, and promoting the use of digital cards where possible, we can reduce the environmental impact of this traditional method of exchanging contact information.
For more information on how you can reduce your carbon footprint with Digital Business Cards, book a demo with us today!
