USPS Gets the Green Stamp of Approval

Spreading the word about sustainable living just got easier.

The U.S. Postal Service now offers "Go Green" postage stamps so you can deliver an environmental message with each card or letter you send.  

A sheet of 44-cent First Class postage stamps contains 16 different images, each one a clever reminder to reduce our carbon footprint. Best of all, they are “forever” stamps, so even if postal rates go up, these stamps will retain their value as First Class postage. 

With reminders such as “walk instead of drive” and "fix water leaks," the Go Green stamps quietly contribute to . Explore the images before you buy by checking out a series of links with additional details about the stamps. USPS has thoughtfully provided a downloadable animated screen saver for your Mac or PC to remind you daily of how easy it is to go green.

Purchase stamps online or stroll to the located at Venice and Grandview boulevards, or the annex at McLaughlin Avenue and National Boulevard, inside the Apothecary Pharmacy. Sneak a peek at the creative process behind these stamps by scrolling through the Go Green Sketches Slide Show.

You can learn about other USPS efforts to save the environment here.

A word about writing letters versus sending emails: Although email is more convenient, quicker and uses less paper, there are still a slew of powerful reasons for sending a message by post:

• Birthday, anniversary and Christmas cards are a time-honored tradition that will never be replaced by email.
• Only letters can be tucked away, to reread, pass on or cherish.  Who doesn’t have an old love letter stashed away at the bottom of a drawer somewhere?
• Paper missives allow you to express yourself through your handwriting as well as your choice of writing implement and stationery.

Jeanne Kuntz combines sustainable living with health and wellness. Learn more about successful behavior change on her website, TeachingWellness.com

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