Image: Grow-a-Note (Made in USA)
Hi Kate,
I think you have a site worth sharing. One huge problem though is all of your plantable paper. From an environmental point of view, it's a terrible idea. Most of it is made overseas, and while it is made from recycled content, it is largely sweat shopped. But worse yet is the invasive species angle. Seeds from where ever the paper is coming from don't belong where the invites are going. (Ever look in a seed catalog and notice that they won't ship some seeds to some places? This is why). While it is a cute idea, seeds from China don't belong in Chicago.
I've been making handmade paper for 11 years and talked to many botanists along the way and you won't find one who thinks seeded paper is a good idea.
All the best...
Chuck
Answer
Hi Chuck,
I have reprinted your e-mail to me because you raise a very important point that I talk about in The Green Bride Guide
To find out which trees are native to your region type your zip code into the "buy a tree" page at the National Arbor Day Foundation.
For seeds, check out the map at American Meadows.
For seed paper, unless the company specifies the species, always advise your guests to plant your cards, programs, etc. in indoor pots. (This can be accomplished with a small "please plant inside" note on the back of the card).
To tackle the sweatshop issue, whenever possible I suggest purchasing locally produced seed paper or fair trade seed paper. (You can find both in the eco-products section of this website). If you are not sure, contact the company directly before buying. You can also make your own seed paper using a simple paper making kit.
3 comments:
I would like to reply to "Chucks" comments.
Actually Chuck, there are many reputable seed paper companies in the US (including myself http://gracegraphics.etsy.com)
The sample shown above your post in this blog is from a fine company in San Diego call Greenfield Paper. We both and several others in the US use certified seed in our products and only use native wildflower species. The same seed can be purchased for your garden in any major US seed catalog. Yes, seed catalogs do adhere to state restrictions regarding the import of some seeds . . the seeds we use are allowed in all 50 states and most foreign countries.
As to customers outside the US, we are well aware with customs regulations, which countries have which restrictions on which seeds (we have done our homework).
Our paper is made in the USA with our own hands using US seed which is NOT homegrown, inferior seeds nor species that are considered noxious weeds.
Yes, I will agree that you should be careful about seeds from paper overseas but don't discredit all the hardworking US citizens who make a fine, quality product right here in the USA.
As to botonists believing that this is a bad idea . . I think if you would present them one of our seeds lists you would be hard pressed to find ONE that thinks the products from the US suppliers are a bad idea.
Seed paper can be GOOD thing . . . do "your" homework and research reputable US paper houses and by all means . . . ask questions before you buy.
Kala
Grace Graphics
Bristow, Oklahoma
I'm a little "Johnny come lately" to this post, but I'd like to echo Gracie's comments. Twisted Limb Paperworks is another company that offers wildflower seeds in its 100% recycled paper. We make all of our paper in our Indiana studio, and all of our seeds are grown for sale in the United States and purchased through a major seed catalog. We do not ship our seeded papers out of the country for the reasons outlined, and will happily provide a list of our seeds to anyone who is interested. Thanks for bringing this issue to light, but please do not discount the idea entirely--it is a beautiful and creative way to recycle!
Also a late response. I am the owner of Green Field Paper. We use only a US sourced seed mixture. That mixture and our paper has been approved to import into various countries, most of which have more stringent regulations. The concern should with those that import seed paper from foreign sources whereby the seeds could be invasive or noxious weeds.
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