Stationery solutions for those looking to keep the practice and art of paper communications alive.

In this day and age of mass emails, tweets, Snapchat, and every other form of digital communication some are choosing to go old school with pen and paper. There’s a snail mail revival afoot. Sending a card, a letter, a note of thanks is a much more personal way to let your loved ones know that you care and are thinking of them.

The more high tech we get, the more important it is to hold onto special traditions that can become even more special when it’s so super easy just to click a button to send someone birthday greetings.

But what are the stationery must haves to keep on hand for sending everything from letters to thank you cards?

Stationery Must Haves

1. Basic Rustic Stationery Set via Pinky Promise Bargains

You will want a basic everyday writing set to have on hand for last minute birthday greetings, to send best wishes on a friend’s new job, or to just keep up with your penpal. This rustic set is full of charm, but versatile enough whatever your needs.

2. Personalized Heart Stationery via Find Penny Paper Co

On the other hand, some personalized stationery might work just as well for your note writing needs. No matter your taste in fonts and decorations, there’s a set to match your style.

3. Flat Chevron Notecards via Hedoe Paper

There are two different styles of notecards–flat and folded notecards. Flat notecards are perfect for a quick note to a friend.

4. Folded Notecards via Pink Lily Press

Pretty folded notecards are a quick solution when you need a thank you or birthday card. Keep different designs on hand to tuck in with a birthday present or along with a host gift.

5. Printed Notepad via naomilynn

Not only are notepads a handy way to jot down some notes, but they can also act a stand-in for notecards and other stationery.

6. Thank You Cards via missive

Don’t forget your manners! Thank you cards are a stationery must-have and letterpress thank you cards are even better.

7. Bear Postcards via Bearly Southern

Sending a postcard is a fun way to send quick greetings to a friend. These quirky postcards would do the trick to send good cheer to a friend.

8. Kraft Paper Envelopes via When it Rains Paper

And it is always a good idea to keep extra envelopes on hand when writing letters or to send photos and other keepsakes. These Kraft paper envelopes are a practical stationery solution.

Related on EcoSalon

Mind Your Manners: The Lost Art of Handwritten Thank You Notes
Mad Men Your Workspace: Vintage Office Supplies
15 Ways That Are Better for Corresponding Than Email

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Finland’s new mail program hopes to cut costs and decrease pollution.

According to the Telegraph, a new system launched in Finland may have snail mail sliding even further from our fingertips. On April 12, Itella, which runs the country’s postal system, will begin a pilot program in which mail is scanned, digitized, and then emailed to recipients. Once in action, it is anticipated that this plan will reduce carbon emissions, paper waste and cut costs by limiting the number of mail carriers on the road.

So far, 126 households and 20 businesses have volunteered to take part in the project. Once mail is scanned, participants receive a text message or email that their mail is ready to view. Some skeptics are worried about privacy issues and have likened this new mail system to tactics used by the KGB. But advocates of the program insist that mail is not read nor is it kept once it has been copied. When it comes to security, Itella’s director, Tommy Tikka, compares the approach not to e-mail but to web banking, insisting the program is safe and secure.

But what about things that can’t be scanned? Replacement credit cards, the feel of embossed fonts, the smell of perfume-scented love letters? For this trial, hard copies of scanned mail (including any additional non-scannable pieces) will still be delivered twice weekly to homes and offices. It’s unclear as to whether this will continue on a regular basis after the trial period has concluded. The trial will run through the end of the year, and if the feedback is positive, the result will be a more widespread program.

With America appearing to move towards cutting Saturday mail deliveries, will this new mail system be next for us, too? Here’s hoping!

But, in the meantime, if you want to eliminate your junk mail right now, check out Tonic’s own Precycle!

Editor’s note: Article by Sophie Rosenblum. Originally published by our friends at Tonic.com. Tonic is a digital media company and news source dedicated to promoting the good that happens each day around the world. Tonic tells the stories of people and organizations who are working to make a difference, by inspiring good in themselves and others. Be sure to visit them and say hi, and follow Tonic on Twitter, too!

Image: uzvards

The post Want to Save the Planet? Have Your (Snail) Mail Scanned appeared first on EcoSalon.