The next time you throw a party or host an event, use electronic invitations (such as those provided by Evite or Socializr) instead of paper ones. For a guest list of 25 people, you'll save more than $10 on postage costs as well as the paper and monetary savings associated with the invitations and envelopes. And of course, you'll save precious time by not having to write and address them.

If you're set on sending out printed invitations, choose a variety made from post-consumer recycled paper, which is easily available in stores and online. Instead of using reply cards, ask guests to call you or email their RSVP to you.

If every kid in the U.S. age 3- to 10-years-old sent electronic birthday party invitations instead of printed ones, the amount of paper saved would equal more than 33,000 trees.

Natural Resources Defense Council
U.S. Census