Two-way ecoEnvelopes save paper, resources
It may seem like a terrible idea to send direct mail using an envelope that requires printed directions just to open and use it, especially when it can be enough of a challenge to get people to read the mailer. However, what if this newfangled envelope saved $500,000 per year and had the potential to save the environment, too?
Sprint recently launched a new type of "paper bill that allows customers to receive and remit payment using the same envelope," according to an article in Deliver Magazine. A majority of people in Sprint's focus groups thought the envelope was "cool," and appreciated the company's efforts to cut back on unnecessary waste.
However, return on investment was also a major factor in implementing the two-way envelopes. Not only does it save big dollars in postage, but Sprint estimates they will save 447 tons of paper - or more than 11,000 trees, enough water fill 15 Olympic-sized swimming pools and 31 loaded garbage trucks.
Although the ecoEnvelope is still a relatively new concept and may not be the best option for all businesses, direct mail campaigns can still go green. Creating web-to-print mailers using recycled ink or paper products may impress customers, conserve global resources and reduce a company's ecological footprint.