It is most unfortunate that Elizabeth Allen believes that the amount of “junk” mail that she receives is in retribution for something that she did in a past life (Sept. 16 issue).
Direct mail keeps millions of individuals employed in this country, and prevents them from requiring any type of public assistance.
From the copywriters and art directors that craft the words and handle the graphic design of direct mail, to the skilled prepress people who produce proofs and printing plates, to the printing press operators themselves, as well as the bindery employees who handle the cutting and folding of this mail, it represents a vital, important sector of our workforce.
After truck drivers deliver the finished pieces to postal centers, the United States Postal Service’s 625,000 employees then process and deliver this mail.
For those who feel that it may not be green to produce direct mail, please be aware that the major U.S. paper manufacturers actually plant more trees than they harvest each year.
Further, the increased use of recycled fiber in paper production translates into a decrease in the number of trees required.
Lastly, the volatile organic compounds historically found in printing inks, have become a thing of the past as most inks today are formulated using vegetable-based soy, instead of a petroleum base (i.e. environmentally-friendly).
So, Ms. Allen, I am sorry that you are “drowning in paper junk”, but it does keep food on the table and roofs over the heads of millions of people.
Alan Bergman
Port Washington
