July 27, 2021

As we continue with our green series, we chose to focus on stationery for this blog. Stationery can be thought of as a very important piece to any wedding because the detail and design set the tone for your special day. There are so many decisions to be made when it comes to designing your stationery, so we hope to help inform our couples how they can consciously make green decisions when it comes to finding sustainable stationery!

Go digital

The easiest way to reduce paper usage in your invitation suite is to limit the amount of layers. It is traditional to see the invitation itself, an RSVP card, reception information, and any other details that may need to be included about the wedding. Going digital gives your guests the opportunity to use a link to RSVP directly, select their meal choice (if applicable), and view all wedding details and information in one place. Not only does this save trees, but it is cost efficient as well!

Does the stationery company your considering offer eco-friendly printing material options?

• Recycled paper
• Upcycled fabrics, leather, wood
• Plantable paper (seed paper)
• Neenah paper
• Cotton

Does your stationery company use green printing ink?

• Soy based ink
• Vegetable based ink

Erickson Design

1229 N North Branch St #303, Chicago, IL 60642

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A small firm established in 1998, Erickson Design offers unique invitations, personalized wedding stationery, and much more. They take many steps in the design and printing processes to ensure that they are being as Earth friendly as possible.

Questions we asked

What are a few ways that your company makes eco-friendly decisions?

“We use paper made in companies that use wind and water power. We use refurbished toner so that the plastic isn’t thrown into the landfill. Once they can’t be refilled anymore we send them back to HP and they recycle them. We use many papers that have post-consumer recycled paper in them. When the client wants something like metallic paper or foil printing we make sure to donate a tree to the National Arbor Association.”

What are your favorite recommendations of eco-friendly stationery products? 

“A multiuse piece is a great way to save on paper waste. Think of a small booklet that has the ceremony program, the menu and their seating card. It also makes a great keepsake. We try to make them small enough to fit in purses or suit pockets so they may be taken with instead of left behind.“

Are there certain papers that you prefer using over others? 

“Neenah paper has been leading the industry with their green practices for decades and have never sacrificed quality. They are also in the Midwest so that helps lessen our carbon footprint. There are many paper companies that use water and wind power to run their factories.“

Peggy Lambert, Erickson Design

Lively House & Home

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Wedding calligraphy and custom wedding invitations that create timeless experiences for events from start to end. 

Questions we asked

What are a few ways that your company makes eco-friendly decisions?

“We focus on using recycled materials, rentals and items that can be used more than once as often as possible, steering our brides and even vendors towards more renewable and sustainable options. We have also recently switched to 100% recycled materials for a majority of our packaging and will keep pushing for 100% across our entire business. We also have started a rental program for items that are not easily recycled, such as acrylic signage. Instead of one and done, we now reuse signage and/or encourage the use of other materials such as mirrors or wood that are easily reusable or recycled or displayed at your home as a keepsake.“

Is it difficult for a paper company to “go green”?

“Not at all! Paper mills and printing companies now offer far more renewable and sustainable options than in the past.  Handmade paper is also making a comeback and is a stunning option for wedding invitations and day of details. It can be custom dyed and has gorgeous torn edges that make an impact for your guests.“

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What is something you’d say is commonly done as a stationery company in the event industry that can easily be changed into a green practice?

“Encouraging or making standard the use of recycled options as your “go to” paper recommendation for your couples and encouraging the use of rentals or paper items for day of details instead of items that are one-use and non-recyclable, such as acrylic. Also using local vendors! Everything you find on Etsy can be found locally, often with your wedding stationer able to create or source everything you need using local materials and vendors.“

Lauren K. Beth, Lively House & Home

Ohana Events

Another easy and green outreach is to repurpose signage! We have a handful of signs that are not personalized or branded so they can be reused for any couple down the road. Such items include: table numbers, frames, photo booth signs, reserved signs, and more.

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Catch us next month when we chat about another vendor and how they can proactively be more eco-conscious!

-Ohana Events