CleanScapes pointed out in a recent newsletter that the use of Gift Cards "in most cases, greatly reduces the packaging waste associated with purchasing and wrapping an item."
As the newsletter appropriately pointed out, the downside is that Gift Cards are made from PVC plastic, a known carcinogen. According to Earthworks, Over 75 million pounds of PVC material from plastic cards enters our waste stream each year.
With their toxic content you could say that Gift Cards cost humans and the planet much more than initial price paid.
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Earthworks "has developed the first fully-recycled and fully-recyclable PVC sheet material for the printed product market by safely transforming existing PVC into reusable sheet stock. The Earthworks System SM conserves our natural resources and energy by reducing the demand for virgin PVC."
To help stop PVC from going into our landfills you can mail plastic cards to:
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Earthworks c/o Halprin Ind.
25840 Miles Rd.
Bedford, Oh 44146
However, Earthworks would appreciate that you pass the word along to your favorite stores and hotels to contact them to learn how to recycle their cards and that they can purchase cards made from Earthworks ® 100% recycled plastic.
In small communities in Wisconsin an organization called DoSomethingGood.org started up their own local collection stations at various retailers.
If you have a business that wants to help the community go green consider starting your own collection station. It is good for the environment and excellent PR. Take a look at how "Do Something Good" got their start.
The Shoreline Green Business Program Blog would be happy to post your progress. Just send the information to wendy@shorelinegreenbusiness.com and it will be included in the Blog and forwarded to Patch.com and Shoreline Area News.