Artigianati.com

PRESS RELEASE

by Mindy Ruane

In the era of texts and tweets, nothing says “I love you” more than a heartfelt handwritten letter. If you’re taking the time to actually sit down and write a love letter, do you really want to use the same old Valentine’s Day card you picked up at the local drugstore? Show the earth and your sweetheart how much you care by choosing handmade Valentine cards. I tested two handmade cards from Greenshanti.

LOVES ME

* Each Greenshanti greeting card uses 100% recycled, acid/chlorine free, cotton rags and natural fibers. That means no trees are cut down to produce these cards.
* The greeting cards feature scrapbook-like designs and have a handmade appeal.
* The cards incorporate a variety of locally sourced raw materials like jute, raw silk, banana fiber, dried leaves, cane spices, beads and crystals; one of the Valentine themed cards I tested featured brass hearts and cane stick.
* The cards are easy to write on and come with a matching 9 x 9 envelope.
* Greenshanti cards are made in Nepal and the Bihar region of India by local artisans, most of whom are women. The company promotes fair trade and sustainability.

LOVES ME NOT

* The greeting cards are made in India and Nepal, increasing their carbon footprint.
* There is very little information on the Greenshanti website regarding their fair trade practices or artisan working conditions.
* The glues and dyes used on the greeting cards are not eco friendly.
* Both Valentine cards had additional insert pages to write on, which seems like a waste of paper…like a card inside a card.
* Due to their size and weight, extra postage is required to mail these cards.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Greenshanti handmade greeting cards are a unique way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Due to their cost, they are best saved for the special someone in your life. Prices start at $6.95.