YULE BE SEEING FEWER CARDS
MANY Geelong politicians and councils are ditching the traditional paper Christmas card in favour of electronic greetings cards as they become more environmentally conscious.
Many Australian councils say the use of Christmas e-cards helps to cut down on paper waste, with residents throwing away thousands of cards each year.
The City of Greater Geelong is among many councils to ditch the traditional paper Christmas card in favour of an e-card.
Governance, strategy and performance director Rebecca Leonard said the council had provided Christmas e-cards instead of printed cards since 2014 “as a simple way to reduce our environmental impact at this time of year”.
However, Surf Coast Shire’s culture and community general manager Chis Pike said it would send a mix of paper cards and e-cards.
“Our Christmas card features the cover artwork piece from the Surf Coast Shire arts calendar for the following year,” he said.
However, it seems our federal MPs prefer the traditional paper Christmas card.
Corio MP Richard Marles is spending $800 for 2000 Christmas cards, printed in North Geelong by Print Design.
The cover photo was taken at Parliament House with a Tasmanian devil on National Threatened Species Day.
Senator Sarah Henderson has opted for a limited release of traditional paper cards featuring a localised design to reflect the regions she represents.
South Barwon MP Darren Cheeeseman is among many state MPs to opt for an e-card this year.
It’s understood Bellarine MP Lisa Neville has not yet made a selection on her preferred method of delivery of her Christmas message. However, in the pastshe has emailed out electronic cards.
Member for Western Victoria and state leader for Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party, Stuart Grimley, has chosen not to send out Christmas cards this year.
“We decided as an office to put this money into advertising for community projects such as our ‘farmer support’ campaign and social media advertising for the Bethany Giving Tree Appeal that we’re running from my electorate office in Torquay,” he said.
In an effort to reduce waste, Animal Justice Party MP Andy Meddick will be sending out e-cards as well.
“This year I was involved in the parliamentary inquiry into recycling and waste,” he said. “It helped me to really understand the enormity of the waste crisis, as well as the choices we can make to fix it, such as sending e-cards over paper cards.
“Those who receive my card will be wished a happy and safe holiday season – but also be reminded that peace begins on their plate.”