Hey Politicians! Stop Cutting Down Trees

It's election time - this is NOT a political post by the way - and I'm wondering...what notes were these guys taking when Barack Obama (like him or not) demonstrated the incredibly effective (reach millions, seems like 1:1) and efficient (CHEAP and easy) use of social media to get out communications?

Everyday our mailbox is completely stuffed with full color, card stock grade direct mail pieces from dueling politicians. NONE of which are ever read in our household. *The picture above is only from 2-3 days.

Here's why:
1) I assume you're out of touch if you think direct mail or the phone is how to reach me.

2) We are green - and your full color brochure on heavy card stock is a display of irresponsible use of resources and money, not to mention very out of date.

And here's another picture with a full size one subject notebook to give you perspective on the LARGE size of these pieces.

And we get double the mailings and phone calls- one of us is a registered Republican, the other a Registered Democrat, so we're hit twice as hard.

Also, understand that this stuff actually impacts who people choose.

Social Media is the same as you handing me that banana by the train Alderman Moore, only less creepy. We can "have a conversation" only I don't feel ambushed, free breakfast or not, on my way to work. Now, politicians are ambushing our phone lines and our poor little mailbox - which is really only used for sending and receiving thoughtful cards and thank you notes.

I know you won't see this, but if you do, please, try some online campaigning. Save a tree!

And just FYI, here is a list of all of the politicians who sent this stuff and the number of pieces:
Worst Offender - Heather Stean(D) - State Senator Race(4 pieces - 2 of each) Largest format.
Bridget Gainer(?) - Commissioner Race (1) Large format.
Dan Hynes(D)- Governor Race (1)
Yehuda Lebovits(D) 9th Judicial Subcircuit Judge Race 1 - Heaviest card stock.
Mark Kirk(R) - Senate Race (1)
Mariyana T. Spyropoulos(?) Commissioner Race (1) IRONY AWARD, her mailer talks all about her dedication to providing clean water, conservation and FOREST PRESERVATION.
Todd Connor(D)Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (1) Another IRONY AWARD "He's protected our environment while protecting our country."
Stella Black(D)Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (1) Smallest format mailer received.

Michelle