Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, over 7 billion traditional business cards were printed globally each year. Producing this amount of paper cards requires millions of trees and billions of gallons of water. These digits are massive, and so is their environmental impact. Reading this, you must have thought of doing something about it.
That’s what Niha (and its team) thought. We did our best to bring a meaningful change to the networking world. We introduced smart business cards with NFC capabilities, allowing our customers to share their business information with just a tap. Now, you don’t need to carry a stack of paper cards only to find that you have run out of cards when you need them the most.
However, our mission doesn’t end with introducing and producing cards. We want every person to use NFC business cards and ditch the traditional ones. To encourage people to use NFC business cards, we are here with this exclusive blog on the environmental benefits of digital business cards.
The Environmental Impact of Traditional Business Cards
Before we dig deep into the environmental benefits of digital business cards, let’s determine the impact of traditional business cards on the environment:
Deforestation
Over 5 million trees are cut down annually to produce paper business cards. That means a whole old-growth forest is cut down yearly to create cards that most people throw within the first week. And there is no need to tell you the consequences of cutting down trees in such an amount. Deforestation disrupts the ecosystem, causing biodiversity loss, soil erosion, climate change, and reduced rainfall. For a brighter future and a good environment, it is essential to stop the production and usage of traditional business cards.
Water Wastage
Producing paper for traditional business cards involves a significant amount of water (millions of gallons), particularly for pulping and bleaching. Once done, paper mills release the wastewater containing pollutants into rivers and lakes that harm aquatic ecosystems. Paper production can also cause water scarcity in regions with limited water resources. In the case of the unavailability of raw materials for paper cards, companies cultivate trees that require water, causing more water wastage.
Waste Creation
One research shows that 88% of people throw away business cards within the first week. This number translates to millions of tons of paper waste. Do you think all this waste is recycled or even disposed of properly? We all know that it is not! So, next time you see litter on the street, parks, and waterways, you know whom to blame. There is only one way to stop this – embrace digital business cards!
Carbon Emissions
The production of traditional paper cards involves numerous steps, each releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, from tree cutting to card delivery. The process begins with harvesting trees, often in old-growth forests. Those trees are then transported to paper mills, where they are pulped, bleached, and dried, releasing significant amounts of greenhouse gases. After that, the paper is cut, printed, and packaged, contributing to carbon emissions through energy consumption and transportation. Finally, the cards are shipped to consumers, adding to the overall carbon footprint of the product.
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The Environmental Benefits of Digital Business Cards
Though you must be convinced to invest in NFC business cards after knowing the environmental impact of paper cards, let’s take a look at the environmental benefits of digital business cards to further solidify your decision:
Reduced Paper Consumption
Unlike traditional paper cards, digital business cards don’t require paper and can be created within minutes. No need for paper means no deforestation. Either you can opt for a 100% virtual business card or buy a 24-carat custom gold card so you have something to impress your customers. You can share all your business details with just a tap with a business card equipped with NFC technology.
Energy Savings
The production of traditional paper business cards involves many energy-intensive processes. A lot of energy is required in all, from manufacturing to transportation and distribution. Digital business cards eliminate these energy-intensive processes. These cards are made without paper, which means no tree-cutting, pulping, bleaching, or printing. This significantly reduces the overall energy consumption associated with business card production.
Reduced Transportation Emissions
Digital business cards require no transportation. No transportation means no carbon emissions and a healthy environment for all. NFC business cards can be generated within minutes using your smartphone. They allow you to network remotely and reduce paper use as much as possible. To create a virtual business card, download the Niha app and create your profile with the relevant information, and you are done!
Accessibility and Reusability
With one traditional paper card, you can target only one potential customer, but a digital card can be used indefinitely. This leads to reduced paper waste and minimizes the environmental impact. Smart business cards can also be updated immediately, so you don’t need to print all your cards again if you change your number or business address. Moreover, your virtual business card is always on your mobile, which means you don’t need to carry a stack of paper like you do with paper cards.
On the Final Note
Millions of trees are cut down each year for the production of traditional business cards, which most customers discard within the first week. These cards have a significant environmental impact, causing deforestation, water wastage, and tons of waste. That’s why we should switch to digital business cards.
Smart business cards offer environmental benefits such as reduced paper consumption, energy savings, reduced transportation emissions, and improved accessibility and reusability. You can order NFC business cards to reduce the environmental impact of traditional paper cards and promote sustainable networking practices.
FAQs
Q. How do traditional business cards affect the environment?
Traditional business cards contribute to deforestation, water wastage, waste creation, and carbon emissions due to the production, transportation, and disposal of paper and associated materials.
Q. What are the advantages of NFC business cards?
NFC business cards offer environmental benefits such as reduced paper consumption, energy savings, reduced transportation emissions, and reusability.
Q. How to create a digital business card?
Creating a digital business card is very easy. Follow these steps to create your virtual business card:
- Download the Niha App.
- Create an account with email.
- Add name, phone, and photo (optional).
- Tap Niha, then plus.
- Choose links and add info.
- Your digital business is ready!
Q. Are digital business cards a good idea?
Yes, digital business cards are a good idea for both individuals and businesses. They are environmentally friendly, convenient, and offer several advantages over traditional paper cards.
