Green Monday: Pressing Pause In December

By the second Monday in December, most of us have reached that familiar moment when the to do list feels longer than the week ahead. There is tape stuck to the table, a few half written cards, and the kettle has boiled three times without ever making it to the mug. The Christmas rush can feel overwhelming, and even the most organised of us start to lose track.

At Whistlefish, we would like to make Green Monday a reminder to breathe, slow down, and make choices that feel kind to the planet as well as to the people we love. And despite the stress and bustle, you can have peace of mind knowing you are supporting a brand that values care, thoughtfulness and sustainability. These values sit at the heart of our Green Matters pledges.

a different kind of green

Our Green Matters commitments run quietly through everything we do. They are not about perfection. They are about progress and the small, everyday decisions that add up to something better.

When the world feels loud and hurried, these pledges are a reminder that there is another way to do things.

our pledges to the planet

plastic free pledge

We are removing single use plastics from our processes and replacing them with recyclable, paper based alternatives wherever possible. From packaging to tiny protective corners, we keep asking whether there is a gentler option. Read more here 

paper pledge

Every Whistlefish card and envelope is created using FSC certified, 100 percent recycled paper. This helps protect forests and wildlife for generations to come. Read more here

product pledge

We look at the full life of every product, from our Cornish studio to your mantelpiece. Our aim is to keep shrinking our carbon footprint and to design with care for the planet in mind. Read more here

printing pledge

We use vegetable based inks, recyclable materials and local printing partners who share our passion for reducing waste. Read more here 

restoring the woodland pledge

We are proud to help create and nurture woodlands across the UK, including important Celtic style rainforests. These places shelter precious habitats and ecosystems that need time and care to recover.

Each pledge is a step. Together they trace a path towards something gentler.

the people we work with

No brand stands alone. Behind every Whistlefish card, print or textile, there is a network of mills, printers and artists who share our values.

We know not everything is perfect yet. Some older products are still catching up with our Green Matters standards, but every season brings us closer.

Our paper suppliers focus on recycled materials and responsible forestry.
Our textile partners choose sustainable fabrics that feel as good as they look.
Our artists and makers work with a strong sense of place, often drawing from Cornwall’s landscape and coastline.

Through these collaborations, care becomes part of our everyday culture.

gentle ways to keep green monday calm and kind

This day does not need to be a scramble. With a few small choices, Green Monday can become a pause rather than a rush.

take stock before you shop

Gather what you already have. A leftover roll of wrap, paper tape from last year, or saved ribbons ready for another bow. Using what is already in the drawer is often the greenest step of all.

choose transparency over trends

When you do buy, look for clear information about materials and sourcing. Simple, honest pledges like our Green Matters commitments mean more than glossy buzzwords.

think about what happens next

Before you write a card, picture where it will end up. Can it be recycled easily. Are the finishes biodegradable. Choosing products made with vegetable inks and recyclable materials makes a quiet difference.

accept progress, not perfection

Sustainability is a journey, not a single decision. It is about the direction you are heading, not how quickly you get there. Households use up what they already have. Brands continue to improve old favourites. What matters most is that everyone keeps moving forward.

finding peace of mind in the rush

As the days grow shorter and the to do list grows longer, Green Monday offers a moment to stop, breathe and choose gently.

You may still end the day with ink on your fingers and a friendly muddle of wrapping paper and twine on the table. You may still laugh as the scissors go missing for the third time. Beneath all of that, there is comfort in knowing your choices reflect care.

By supporting a brand built on values like Green Matters, you help shape a future where beauty, kindness and sustainability sit side by side.

That feels like the truest kind of Christmas spirit.