April 3, 2007

Junk Mail Eco Attack. Or Just More Greenwashing?

by Piers Fawkes

 Wordpress Wp-Content Uploads 2007 03 41PoundsAn organization called 41 Pounds promises to raise awareness of the environmental damage by “unwanted and wasteful solicitations”. According to the site, each year 4 million tons of junk mail are produced per year in the US, 100 million trees destroyed and “$320 million of local taxes are used to dispose of this unsolicited mail”. The site offers to “contact 20-30 direct mailers on your behalf to stop the majority of bulk mail that comes to your home every day.”

For $41.

Although we believe in their cause, there’s something odd about the site - is there another reason behind the site? It seems a little too slick and there’s no transparency. There’s no information on the people behind the site. You don’t know where the donated money goes to. It’s a play to make cash rather than really help. We’re not against people making money out of green issues, it’s just that it feels like a big greenwashing stunt.

What do you think?

41 Pounds

[via Josh Spear]

Article categories: Advertising & Branding, Environmental, Ethical Consumerism

Article Link | Add To Delicious Add To Digg Add To Stumble Upon | Email This | Print This Post |

Subscribe

About PSFK

    PSFK is a global trends and innovation company that helps its readers, guests and clients make things better. PSFK publishes websites and reports; hosts conferences and events; and provides advice and consultancy. Contact us.