Eco-billing
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.
