Advertising Mail and the Environment
Not surprisingly, a few extreme activists are making false and misleading claims about advertising mail and the environment. But the facts prove that mail is a very environmentally responsible way to advertise. We’re proud of our environmental record and happy to discuss it.
What is the impact of advertising mail on U.S. forests?
Our forests are as healthy as they’ve been in years. Why? Because major U.S. paper manufacturers have adopted sustainable forestry practices where trees are planted, harvested and re-planted to ensure a growing future supply. Nearly all paper used for advertising mail is generated from these sustainably managed forests. In fact, there are more forests in the U.S. today than there were 50 years ago. America's forestry and paper community plants more than 4 million new trees each day - that's more than 1.4 billion new trees each year. The industry plants three trees for every one harvested.
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Does advertising mail hurt America’s old growth forests?
No. Here in the United States, no old growth forests – absolutely none – are used for advertising mail. Nearly all paper used for advertising mail is generated from sustainably managed forests where trees are planted, harvested and then re-planted.
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Is advertising mail recyclable?
Yes, advertising mail is recyclable, and recycling rates are growing rapidly. EPA studies show that annual recycling rates for advertising mail have increased seven-fold since 1990, and continue to climb. And thanks to recycling efforts by the forestry and paper industry and others, almost two of every three Americans now have access to local recycling options, such as drop-off and curbside pickup.
More importantly, advertising mail is a useful tool for millions of Americans. Studies show that more than 8 in 10 households read or scan their advertising mail. And for good reason: Advertising mail helps people identify small shops and good values in their own neighborhood. Who hasn’t saved money with a coupon they received in the mail?
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updated: Tuesday, January 5, 2010 4:30 PM