by Jessica Miller (Emery Street) | This column provides tips on reducing waste while saving money.

Growing up, I had pen pals all over the world: I had fancy stationery and pens, and loved sending and receiving letters. I still do, but I also now receive more bills!

Included in those bills often are little envelopes. They are perfect to send little notes and happiness to your friends. If the envelope already has an address on it, simply glue or tape a piece of paper from your recycling basket onto it. For your return address, feel free to use those stickers that sometimes get mailed to you as promotional gifts. I still use my Christmas-themed labels in July. I imagine the look on the face of the employees as they see the envelopes in which my mortgage checks arrive.