re-using envelopes

[iheartdusty]

So which is better, from an eco point of view;

one new envelope
or
old envelope + sticker for address + sticky tape to seal it?

and does anyone know if the Post Office use invisible franking - ie if you can't see any kind of marks or franking on the stamp, could you re-use it or would the machinery pick it up?

BTCV do gummed recycled envelope re-use labels. You don't need sellotape as the top of the label folds over the top of the envelope!

good point, but is it significantly less energy etc to make & ship gummed labels than an envelope?
also I was thinking of flap-type envelopes, where you do need something else to re-stick the flap

I mostly reuse the envelopes with little windows in them, then you write the address on the note inside and only need a little cellotape to seal it up.

never heard of invisible franking. we always used to re-use unfranked stamps.

Often wondered myself about the tape/label issue. I try not to use a label, but cross out the address and stamp, and write the new one on the back, so its only the tape to seal it up, which is less "stuff" than using a new envelope. I got into doing this when I was told we couldnt put envelopes in the doorstep paper recycling.

Often wondered myself about the tape/label issue. I try not to use a label, but cross out the address and stamp, and write the new one on the back, so its only the tape to seal it up, which is less "stuff" than using a new envelope. I got into doing this when I was told we couldnt put envelopes in the doorstep paper recycling.

yes fio fio, I was brought up doing it!