Anti-phonebook online petition gathers speed
- Tue, 3 Nov 2009
- Comments (5)
A petition calling for an opt-in system for phonebooks is now the most popular open petition on the Number 10 Downing Street site.
The campaign was launched by 192.com along with charity Global Action Plan asking the government to set up an opt-in system to help the environment by reducing the number of phonebooks printed.
People would be able to say whether or not they wanted to be sent a phonebook and this would cut down the number of books that are produced and then turned into waste.
Over 5,500 people have already signed the petition, which is more than for a petition campaigning against a third runway at Heathrow.
The campaign is also getting school children involved to find alternative uses for unwanted phonebooks.
Dominic Blackburn, product director at 192.com said: "There are many difficult environmental challenges faced by the government but this one is relatively simple to solve. Some people will still want the phonebook delivered and should be able to opt in, but many people don't."
The online campaign also features a Facebook fan page and a video which outlines the cost to the environment. The video has already had more than 2,500 views on YouTube.
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Comments
Latest comments
November 04 13:15
Mintizmate
Why is that people with acess to computers and the net assume that evryone else in the countrty has the same privilages? Whilst it is very true that a lot of the community do not use the paper directories, an "opt in" scheme for people everyone else will be fraught with problems, not least to the older citizen who perhaps does not understand what is being asked of them. Am I being cynical when I wonder what the real reason is for someone who runs a paid for directory to ask for the elimination of free paper directories?
November 04 16:29
brian matthews
I agree with Mintizmate, that how is it that 192, which cost money to access, is calling for the abolition of the opposition! You could always go EX-directory, then you won't be in a book anyway.
November 04 18:09
Ernie K Doe
What next, car companies wanting to ban buses, bus companies wanting to ban cars?
I agree with Mintizmate and his/her view
January 06 12:23
Andy Stocks
When using the phone book it's free, as long as the number is listed. How long before the books are gone and companies then start charging you for what was once a free service.
Look at all the 118 search lines now, still charge you, even if the number isn't listed or available.