Typically, the windows on envelopes that come with your bills and other mail are made from plastic. While even just a small percentage of the envelopes, the plastic can take decades to finally breakdown, but only after slowly leaching chemicals into the soil. Plastics also inefficient because they require a relatively large amount of energy and water to produce.

But, things are looking up for the environment. Mail and Print Services (MPS) has launched the Envirolope, an envelope made with a plastic alternative that is fully biodegradable.

In fact, this window is made from paper and it retains the clear window-like function of a traditional plastic window. The Sustainable Forestry Initiative, which sets standards to ensure harvesting is done in a sustainable manner, has approved the Envirolope.

Adding to the eco-effectiveness of the Envirolope, recent upgrades have made the envelope dual-purposed; one Envirolope serves as two envelopes. That is, an extra adhesive flap is attached to the Envirolope allowing both the sender and receiver to use the envelope for mailing, cutting down on the amount of envelopes, and thus trees, required. The cost of the Envirolope is competitive with ordinary envelopes, according to the company.