postalblowfish’s Recent Comments

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  So bulk business mail ("junk mail") is becoming an environmental evil 'du jour'. I think before politizing personal annoyances, some things should be considered. First, since bulk business mail (BBM) is over 50% of USPS mail volume, it acts as a subsidy to keep other postage low. Reasonably priced postage is essential since the poor, the elderly, and many without internet access rely on the USPS for critical communication needs. Second, there's no free lunch. Computers, TV's and other instruments of mass communication (which includes advertising and Grist) create tons of pollution and toxins when they are manufactured and operated. Third, although it's fashionable in the age of the internet to deride mail as hopelessly antiquated, the USPS still offers the only mode of communication that is available in all US states and territories at a universal rate.
  So can things be done better? Of course. As a Letter Carrier I'd like to point out that our post office (and many others) recycles all of our undeliverable BBM. Instead of creating "Do Not Mail Lists" which threaten the solvency of the USPS and pit environmentalists against advertisers, mailers, and Postal workers why don't environmentalists encourage recycling and encourage mailers to use more recycled paper? This might have the effect of creating a larger market for all recycled paper that could increase the availability (and decrease the cost) of recycled tissue, paper towels, napkins, etcetera, as well as paper used for printing.
  Just a thought.On More on Catalog Choice and the Do Not Mail registry posted 1 year, 7 months ago 8 Responses