November is the perfect month for giving thanks, so what better time of year is there to think about buying eco-friendly thank you notes for your engagement party, wedding or even first holiday season together as a married couple? When it comes to finding the perfect thank you notes, style and budget are key, but for eco-minded couples the kind of paper a card is printed on is as important as the message itself. Here are four types of sustainable paper you can use to send your appreciation without harming the earth.

Not all recycled paper is equally eco-friendly. For the greenest recycled paper thank you notes, opt for ones made from 100% post-consumer waste (PCW) paper. PCW recycled paper is the paper consumers put in their blue bins at home and at work. When you select PCW paper you know it really would have been discarded if not for a recycling program giving it new life.

Handmade paper is often produced using recycled fibers - but you can take it a step further by choosing a brand that includes wildflower seeds in the paper pulp. When you select handmade recycled paper thank you cards imbued with blooming flower seeds, your note doubles as a thank you gift! The receiver can plant your seed paper card outside in the spring, or in a pot inside during the colder months, and later enjoy a bouquet of colorful flowers.

Images: Owl Theme Thank You Notes , Woodland Fairytale Thank You Notes . Rainbow Wood Thank You Notes , Blooming Branch Photo Thank You Cards

For fall or winter weddings, nothing beats custom wood thank you notes printed on FSC-certified sustainable wood veneer. These cards have a wonderful feel, texture and weight that makes them hard to forget, and they can be easily recycled or composted.

Images: Rose Thank You Cards , Tulip Thank You Cards , Butterfly Thank You Notes , Bamboo Roses Thank You Cards

Bamboos are some of the fastest growing plants in the world. They offer a wonderful alternative to paper thank you notes because bamboo matures in 3-5 years and requires less water to grow than the trees traditionally used for paper manufacturing. Bamboo paper often has a softer texture as well, making it a particularly luxurious choice.

When you select an eco-friendly paper for your wedding or holiday thank you cards, you not only are decreasing your impact on the planet and showcasing your environmental values, but you are helping to support artisans working to make a difference. With so many styles to choose from, it is easy to send a thank you note that gives back.

If you liked this post, you might also enjoy the Green Bride Guide's green wedding invitation board on Pinterest: