Green Daily

The traditional method of communicating over long distances using paper, stamps and envelopes is in serious need of an overhaul. The two biggest reasons for this are paper waste and the amazingly high cost of postage that seems to change weekly. So what can you do?

There are many options, but email and the internet are probably your best bet. The problem with email in the minds of most people who didn't grow up with it, is the fact that it just doesn't seem as personal. One solution to this is scanning. You can find a scanner for next to nothing these days, and their capture quality is top-notch. You can then email photos, artwork, or anything else that would ordinarily fit in a small envelope.

Another important step in the right direction is using online bill payment. I do this for almost all of my bills except the ones that charge an exorbitant fee for "processing" each bill. Most companies will handle this transaction for free, and welcome the reduced cost involved in sending out paper bills.

While none of this will replace the good old fashioned personal letter, perhaps sprayed with a touch of perfume or sealed with a kiss, but turning your normal, run-of-the-mill correspondence into a paperless transaction whenever possible will help save our landfills and trees.