In light of growing concern about mailbox clutter, the environment, and identity theft, there is increasing interest on the part of consumers in managing the amount and the type of direct mail that they receive.  The publishing community is committed to responding to these concerns and developing consumer choice principles and practices that maximize customer satisfaction while appropriately managing the potential negative impact on our business.  MPA belongs to the Mail Moves America broad industry coalition which supports a self-regulatory approach versus state or federal legislation.  In addition,  MPA is working with our members and other trade groups to ensure that self-regulatory principles retain publishers’ ability to communicate with existing customers and customize opt-out choices for consumers to avoid overly-inclusive blanket opt-outs.

MPA also participates with other mailers as part of the United States Postal Service’s “Greening of the Mail” task force, which works to highlight the value of the mail, including advertising.  The task force is also working to improve the environmental profile of the mail, which is one of the concerns underlying the Do Not Mail effort.  MPA continues to work with all involved parties, as well as monitor and track the issue at the state level.