Looking for ways to become an even greener mailer? Check out these suggestions from the USPS and the Direct Mail Association.
Scrub your list
Every year, North American businesses send billions of pieces of mail that are undeliverable as addressed (UAA). The irony is that a simple, effective list hygiene process can minimize or even eliminate this process..
Your strategy begins with Zip Code correction, address standardization and change-of-address services. Consider these suggestions for fine-tuning your list:
Make sure you update your address when you move so you (or your customers) get your mail
Mailers take note that the USPS "Move Update" requirement is now in effect
Merge and purge mailing lists often to remove invalid names and addresses
Provide frequent, clear opportunities for customers to opt-in and opt-out
Maintain a Do-Not-Mail list to prevent unwanted communications
If you mail conventionally and via email, allow customers to specify their preferred method of contact
Target mail efficiently using segmentation and modeling to select recipients
Personalize your message to increase relevance and reduce waste
Paper practices
Almost every catalog, publication or direct mail piece is printed and mailed using paper. Depending on the piece, certain characteristics may be required of the paper itself, including brightness and coatings. Marketers can reduce their environmental footprint significantly by working eco-friendly practices into the mix.
Ask for paper containing post-consumer waste
Experiment with formats that require less paper and packaging to reduce paper use and overall weight
Through our sales and production staff, you can work with paper mills that use environmentally friendly production practices
Focus on paper manufacturers that place an emphasis on sustainability
Design and print production
Marketers, mailers and other publishers seeking to improve their green footprint can save on design and print production.
Take advantage of our resources to help you save money and time while maximizing your piece's environmental friendliness
Collaborate with us to ensure the best use of press size; sometimes a slight alteration of the mail piece or catalog can allow more to be produced from each press sheet
Use production methods that reduce print overruns, waste allowances and in-process waste
Recycle and reuse
When it comes to print, there are many ways to recycle, reuse, and repurpose.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes all mail as recyclable mixed paper waste — add yours to the local recycle bin
Reuse or recycle boxes whenever possible. Old mail can be shredded to use as packing materials
Share your magazines and catalogs with family and friends
Donate pieces of interest to hospitals, clinics, doctor waiting rooms and retirement communities (remember to remove the mailing label if possible)
