Needless paper waste
Monday, February 25th, 2008Many years ago, we made a donation to an organization (not naming it here, but let’s call it H so we can reference it easier). It was a one-time donation and it was a good decision at the time. It’s still a good decision. However things change and although we might still donate to organization H if money was not an object, but that’s not the case. Our priorities changed, things that speak to our hearts have changed. We now focus our attention, time and money elsewhere that’s closer to our hearts.
Without fail, organization H continues to send us letters asking for donation at least twice a year, most of the time doubling the efforts. They even have our new and updated address! I finally called and asked to be taken off the mailing list, which is something I should have done a long while ago.
The person who took the call was polite and said it would be taken care of. I went one step further to make some suggestions (gasp!). I said it would be good if they could implement a system where it checks against donors who’s been dormant/inactive for a certain period of time, and to cut back on mailings/trees/resources by stop mailing to those individuals. She paused. And then said “Oh OK, thanks.” Her reply sounded very distant and nonchalant - after all, it’s not her trees or her resources or her money that’s being sent into space without an echo - no sireee Bob, she’s just there to do her job and no more. I wish she took me seriously and at least give the suggestion to her supervisor.
I need to take a closer look at all the mailings that we get, and stop the ones that doesn’t even get a first glance before hitting the recycling bins. If you have time, please check yours and see if you can minimize some junk mail as well.


