More than 16.6 billion cards, letters and packages will likely be delivered this holiday season, and many will carry a unique message: “Season’s Greenings.” That’s because there are plenty of ways to green up your holiday mailings. For instance:?

Green Postage
You might be surprised at just how green holiday postage stamps have become. Stamps, stamped envelopes and stamped postal cards are now printed using water-based inks made from soybeans and contain no lead.
Green Packaging
Those looking for a greener way to ship something might take a quick trip to the post office. The U.S. Postal Service has been recognized with Cradle to Cradle certification for the environmentally friendly design and manufacturing of Priority Mail and Express Mail boxes and envelopes. The packages are 100 percent recyclable and free. You can pick them up at the post office or order them online at usps.com and have them delivered to your door without charge.
Green Shipping
Using usps.com to purchase postage and print address labels saves time and fuel. You can also use the site to request free package pickup.
Green Delivery
With 195,000 vehicles, the Postal Service operates the largest fleet of delivery vehicles in the U.S. and has the largest fleet of alternate-fuel vehicles in the world. In certain parts of the country, three-wheeled electric vehicles deliver mail with zero gas emissions and at a cost of only 4 cents a mile. Of course, there’s also the service’s “fleet of feet,” with more than 10,000 letter carriers delivering on foot.
Recycling
Secure recycle bins in post office lobbies make it easy for customers to recycle mail after reading during the holidays and every day. With a motto of “Read, Respond, Recycle,” the mail recycling program is available at 6,000 postal facilities across the country.
For more tips and information, visit www.usps.com. (NAPSI)