“If each adult sent one less email a day, Britain could reduce its carbon output by 16,433 tonnes – equal to more than 81,000 flights from London to Madrid.” 

This quote from a World Economic Forum article really took me by surprise. It might have been because I have always thought that emails were free.

But they aren’t free. They cost us time – to create and to send. They cost us emotional energy. And now it turns out they are killing the planet. 

So, I have an idea. The article touched on it. 

I will stop sending “Thank You” emails. Single word “Thanks!” or “:)” or “Word!” emails will now stop. 

This has been a habit of mine. I have been doing it daily for years. But as I think about it, I don’t think anybody cares when they get those. I don’t think it’s the right medium to communicate that I appreciate their effort. 

Maybe I should just pop my head over the cubicle walls and say the words. Maybe I just start appreciating more people in person.

Here’s to one less email per day. 

Here’s to a healthier planet.