Here’s my latest green idea.  Well, actually, it’s the first green idea I’ve published on this blog.  But, I think it’s a good one.

It should be a law that if you have initial contact with a person or business via email or the Internet, that’s how they should communicate with you in the future!  Simple, huh?

Why did this idea come to mind?  Two reasons.

The first has to do with online stores.  Since I live out in the middle of nowhere almost, I tend to do a lot of shopping online.  I find products online, make a purchase online, and the company ships the product to me.

The only paper involved is the packing slip.

So, then, what does that online store do?  They start mailing me catalogs.  Large, shiny, full color catalogs.  Now, what sense does that make?  They’re also sending me emails constantly (unless I opt out) with specials, new products or just reminders.

Given all that electronic communication, why in the world would they ever mail me a catalog?  Just to kill a few more trees??

The second reason is because of the Congressman who represents my district in Washington.  I have been writing Georgia Senators and the Congressman from time to time.  Unfortunately, none of my elected officials agree with my point of view, but I keep bugging them anyway.

The Senators always send me a nice long email ignoring my opinion and telling me why they are supporting the opposite position.  But, my Congressman always sends his discussion on why I don’t know what I’m talking about in writing.

And, it’s not just a quick postcard.  I receive an official envelope (that he didn’t have to pay the postage on) with 4-5 pages of reasons why my point of view is ridiculous.

It’s a silly situation.  Maybe on their off days the Congress could pass a law outlawing contact in writing to something that started electronically.

However, I’m afraid to make that suggestion since I’m sure it would just trigger another 5 page reply!