We the undersigned citizens of Palo Alto, California, request that a Yellow Pages 'Opt-Out' policy be legislated by the Palo Alto City Council. We feel that the demand for hard copy, Yellow Page-type commercial phone directories has become significantly reduced due to internet access, mobile phone interfaces and other low-impact informational services. Citizens should have the option to take, or not take, delivery of these large books.

The resources consumed and waste produced by Yellow Page-type directories each year is staggering. Based on national data, which shows that two Yellow Page-type directories are printed for each citizen, the 58,000 residents of Palo Alto will receive phone books in 2008 that consume:
- 4,453 trees
- 375,040 pounds of waste paper
- 1,688 barrels of oil (not including delivery drivers)
- 62.8 cubic yards of landfill space
(source: yellowpagesgoesgreen.org)

With an option to not take delivery of Yellow Page-type directories, often several times per year, we feel that Palo Alto will enjoy reduced landfill space, less clutter and a positive impact on both the local and global environment.

Thank you for taking the time to consider our request.