Seed Paper Problems

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, but have not mentioned on this site yet. Whenever you give guests trees, seed packets or seed imbued paper you should include a note about which region of the country they can be planted in. If your guest lives outside the plant's natural range the seeds should only be germinated indoors.

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.

It's in the bag

Last month Sammy Fries e-mailed me about his bar mitzvah project idea. It was such a good one I wanted to share it.

Sammy is involved with Operation Noah, an organization that delivers stuffed animals hospitals. He sent me the following e-mail asking for help.

Message: I am looking for a way to get sponsorship for reusable bags and would like your help. We bought some shopping bags at the store and have been reusing them ever since. We even got some for friends to thank them for bringing over dinners while my mom is battling cancer. I have learned that there are numerous reasons why we need to start to use a reusable bag.I would like to share this knowledge at my upcoming Bar Mitzvah and each time we deliver stuffed animals. I am having a go green great outdoors theme for my January 3rd Bar Mitzvah. I would like to give everyone a bag so they do not have to use plastic ones when they go shopping. I was hoping you could sponsor this. Or know someone who could. I could help design the bags and we could put your logo on it. Please e-mail me and let me know your thoughts.

Thanks you,

Sammy Fries

Reply

Hey Sammy -

This is a great idea. Although I cannot personally sponsor you I will post your question and see if any of my readers have ideas for you. That said, I recently found this company that offers a lot of eco-items that can be personalized. You can buy reusable organic bags for about $2 each. I suggest you make a logo for Operation Noah (if you don't have one already) and use these as favors.



However, I think they require you to buy a minimum of 150 bags. If you need a smaller quantity I have put a link to a company that sells individual organic totes for $2.95 each on the look book favors page. You can then add the graphic of your choice using iron-on transfer paper.



Hope this helps!

All the best,

Kate

If anyone else has suggestion please leave your comments below. Let's help Sammy get his dream off the ground!