According to a new report, more and more Brits are using the internet to send their Xmas cards this year.
Exponents say "e-cards" are cheaper, greener and stress free.
New research by broadband provider Wanadoo estimates, Brits could save £1.5 billion by opting for posting Xmas cheer online.
Brits plan to send an average of 43 cards each this yuletide at a cost of £31, including postage.
According to the study, one in ten of these greetings will be free of charge as the nation plans to send 205 million e-cards to their loved ones with the 45 to 49 year old age group more likely to enlist the new technology than teenagers.
It found 45 to 49 year olds will send 50 per cent more e-cards than the 18 to 24 year old age group.
The thrifty people of Lancashire send the most e-cards while residents of East Anglia prove the least e-literate,according to the survey.
"With such enormous cost savings to be made with the e-card, the face of festive communication as we know it is set to change dramatically over the coming years," said Wanadoo UK's chief executive, Eric Abensur.
"With super fast broadband internet access now costing so little, we'll be able to afford plenty more mulled wine and bigger gifts for the whole family," he added.
He continued, "That by utilising e-cards Brits will not only save cash but also the environment as this year alone sending blessings over the net instead of by post will save 2,100 tonnes of paper.
"As well as offering a welcome alternative to outmoded Christmas greetings, the web will provide a haven from the stress of the High Street with a third (32 per cent) buying gifts online while 40 per cent plan using the web to compare prices," Mr Abensur added.
|
