The truth is that I am a fairly cynical guy. I try to be an upbeat optimist, but we all know the deep dark truth. As a rule I don’t entirely trust businesses. I think they are looking out for themselves and their profit first and foremost. I think all of these “green” campaigns are based on half assed environmental responsibility and are ultimately just done to promote the brand and not the environment.
For example, at a company I once worked for, as part of their “green” month they gave everyone a cheap ceramic mug to replace paper cups. But they didn’t actually get rid of paper cups. And the ceramic mugs were cheaply made in China at a factory that probably pollutes a ton. Nice guys!
With all of that being said, I really liked this message I got from T-Mobile when changing to a paperless bill:
Sign up for Paperless Billing from T-Mobile, and you’re not just saving a tree, you could be doing your part to plant one. As a thank you for helping us to be more eco – friendly, T – Mobile will plant a tree on your behalf with the Arbor Day Foundation. Your tree will be part of the Restoration Project, planted where it’s needed most — in damaged regions like Southern California and New Orleans, where trees aren’t growing back on their own.
Maybe I’m a sucker, but I kind of believe them. Granted this is a ploy, but I am happy to 1) not get a bill in the mail and feel guilty about the paper used, and 2) for a tree to be planted on my behalf.
“But Matthew!” you say, “I don’t have T-Mobile!” Well, maybe you should pressure your mobile carrier to follow suit. Standards are created by demands.
6 Comments
THEY WILL MEET OUR DEMANDS!
I keep trying to not give people envelopes for their tickets at work ’cause it’s an unnecessary waste of paper, but people always demand them, like their tickets are gonna scatter to the wind without it. DEMANDS.
People demand a lot of stuff because they are babies.
I have a DEMAND: a post about cultured butter.
most of the companies that i pay bills for offer an alternative “green” billing method that basically sends you an electronic bill instead of a tangible one. even bank of america offers “green” bank statements.
Andy, it’s true, most companies do that green billing. I think only one of ours still comes in the mail. But I thought T-Mobile was doing a cool thing by planting trees, not just ceasing to send us paper bills.