# Consumers expect charities to be environmentally friendly, says ONEPOST survey

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2010/11/29/consumers-expect-charities-be-environmentally-friendly-says-onepost-survey/
- Published: 2010-11-29T23:15:35+00:00
- Author: Howard Lake

A survey by independent postal advice and management company ONEPOST has found that
UK consumers expect charities to be more environmentally friendly, and that some
of them say they are more likely to support charities who act in this way.

The research found that 36% of consumers are more likely to support charities who
act in an environmentally friendly manner, and 30% of consumers are more likely 
to support charities whose direct mail is environmentally friendly.

The research supports recent findings from the Direct Marketing Association (DMA)
sustainability tracking studies, which ONEPOST sponsors. In January 2010 research
showed that 33% of respondents believed the charity sector to be very environmentally
friendly. That figure rose in September 2010 to 38% of respondents, the largest 
rise in rating for any industry sector.

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ONEPOST Marketing Manager, Luan Wise, said: “Direct mail dominates the media mix
for charities”, and offered tips on how charities can demonstrate their environmental
credentials.

* Include a recycle logo on the outside of your mail pack.  Research shows that 
this gives a clear indication that the charity is environmentally friendly, with
good business ethics.

* Let your supporters know what you are doing and why.  Include a short message 
on the reverse of the envelope explaining the importance of direct mail in raising
funds and how little the direct mail pack costs the charity.  Add your environmental
message and consumers will respond more positively.

* Think carefully about the use of poly-wrap – 41% of consumers regard poly-wrapped
mail as a non green signal.  We would encourage ‘mailing naked’ if there are no 
inserts.

* Use a downstream access (DSA) postal solution – DSA mail arrives within 2-3 days
against up to 7 days from Royal Mail’s Mailsort 3 discounted bulk mail product. 
You can get your fundraising message out and receive donations much quicker.

* Save money on your postage costs by sending environmentally friendly direct mail.
Additional discounts (up to 0.7p per item) are available for mailings meeting a 
number of criteria which include the use of recycled paper, inclusion of a recycle
logo and data cleansing best practice.

www.onepost.co.uk

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