NYC eliminates Christmas cards

NEW YORK, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- New York City Hall said officials are aiming to save money on paper costs by eliminating holiday cards and making double-sided copies.

A memo authored by Deputy Mayor Stephen Goldsmith was distributed to city agency heads last week outlining a plan to save $1 million per year by making double-sided copies and $50,000 a year by eliminating paper holiday greetings, the New York Daily News reported Tuesday.

"If agencies wish to send holiday or other types of greetings, they must utilize electronic greeting cards," Goldsmith said. "The savings will add up, and they will help us cultivate the culture of frugality necessary to weather tough times."

The deputy mayor said the cost-cutting measures are part of the "Quick Cost Savings program," which also calls for the elimination of bottled-water purchases and turning off computers that aren't in use.

"It will target needless and often hidden costs that, over the course of time, have become an accepted part of business," the memo said.