Paper mail: Timeless tool or outdated artifact?
At a time when most of our communication is digital, paper mail somehow endures. To some, it’s a keepsake; to others, obsolete – prompting a straightforward question: is there still room for it? In a world that prioritizes speed, environmental impact and ease of access, this format calls for an honest assessment of its merits… and its shortcomings.
Paper mail’s advantages…
1. A timeless tradition
Paper mail carries the weight of history, stretching back thousands of years. From the papyrus scrolls of ancient Egypt – used for royal decrees as far back as 3000 B.C. – to the handwritten letters of later eras, it has been a constant thread weaving through the story of human connection.
In the era of New France, paper mail remained a privileged means of communication, with the establishment in 1734 of the first official postal service linking the cities of Quebec and Montreal.
Today, in Quebec, it’s clear that this practice has significantly declined, giving way to new technologies like computers, mobile phones and tablets. Yet, even as paper fades, it leaves behind a tangible and memorable imprint. One that remains vivid for many.
2. Paper’s intimate touch and emotional impression
Indeed, for some, paper letters – much like postcards – offer a sensory experience that digital simply cannot match. The crinkle and texture under one’s fingers, its weight and even its scent engage touch, sight, smell and even hearing in ways pixels never could.
For others, it becomes a carefully preserved keepsake. Handwriting, as distinct as a fingerprint, turns a loved one’s letter or handwritten recipe into something irreplaceable: a quiet but enduring reminder of connection.
3. Mindful engagement and meaningful exchange
Paper mail also means slowing down. Without instant delivery or quick edits, it naturally leads to more composed writing. Where texts or emails encourage haste, paper mail serves as a filter against impulsivity and distraction.
While digital communication doesn’t rule out focus, paper’s tactile process – selecting a pen, composing text, affixing postage, sending – imbues correspondence with deeper purpose. This ritual establishes a reflective space for both writer and recipient, and often, through its tangible permanence, amplifies both the message’s significance and the exchange’s substance.
4. Fewer digital distractions
It’s worth noting that paper mail comes with no alerts, banner ads, redirects, clickable links or pop-up windows to close. It isn’t accidentally shared; or at least, far less frequently.
A study cited by the University of Montpellier in France suggests that notifications – even silent ones – consume a significant portion of our cognitive resources and substantially reduce our concentration. These repeated interruptions create considerable mental load, reportedly increasing average task completion time by 27%.
In this context, paper mail emerges as a more stable medium, particularly for those vulnerable to cognitive overload.
5. Accessible to all
This tangible format remains accessible and understandable to a wide audience, requiring no digital literacy. It depends on no device, no connection, no updates: it arrives as-is, ready to be read, with no technological barriers.
In some regions of Canada, Internet access remains spotty. According to a 2021 Auditor General Report, only 59.5% of rural and remote households have access to high-speed Internet, compared to 90% in urban areas.
In light of this inequality, paper mail remains relevant. Universally accessible, it delivers information free from screens and unstable connections. From official documents to handwritten letters, it accommodates all readers – regardless of age or tech-savviness – on their own terms.
… and its shortcomings
1. Slow delivery and potential loss
On the other hand, paper mail can be time-consuming, particularly in terms of delivery. Delays can extend over several days, or longer during peak periods or service disruptions.
To this is added the risk of loss or damage. A letter can be misplaced or delivered to the wrong recipient, for example. These limitations make mail less reliable for urgent communications and highlight the need to choose the best way to send a message based on its importance and timeframe.
2. Related costs
Mailing a letter or card carries real costs, even when sent occasionally. Since January 2025, stamp prices rose from $0.99 to $1.24 (booklet) or $1.44 (single). Add paper, envelopes and occasional printing fees, and a single letter can easily cost $1.50 to $2.00.
In comparison, a monthly Internet subscription – costing between $40 and $70 – may seem expensive at first glance. However, this amount provides access to a multitude of services simultaneously: email, video calls, information, entertainment, official paperwork and more.
In contrast, paper mail is charged per item. Someone regularly sending just a few letters monthly to loved ones, for official matters, or personal news, can quickly reach 10-15 letters, totaling $15 to $30. Once frequency increases, digital proves more economical while expanding communication possibilities.
3. Environmental footprint
On the environmental front, paper production consumes significant resources. In North America, manufacturing one ton of paper emits between 600 and 1,000 kg of CO₂, depending on fiber type and production methods.
While Canadian paper mills have reduced direct emissions in recent years by increasing biomass and renewable energy use, there’s still progress to be made.
Digital technology, for its part, relies on energy-intensive infrastructure (data centers, networks, devices) and generates electronic waste that’s hard to recycle or is non-compostable. However, certain uses – like sending an email or viewing a document online – have a lower environmental impact than their paper equivalents.
According to France’s Ecological Transition Agency (ADEME), a single email emits an average of 4g of CO₂, compared to 29g for a printed letter requiring paper, ink and physical transport. In other words, even if digital isn’t compostable, it can prove less polluting in specific contexts when used sparingly.
So, what’s the answer? Which one should we favour? In the end, the question isn’t about picking sides; it’s about choosing what best suits our lifestyles… and our needs. Paper mail continues its relevance for delivering lasting, meaningful or personalized messages. Digital, on the other hand, excels in speed, affordability and versatility.
Every medium has its strengths, limitations and environmental impact. The key is to choose based on the purpose, audience and scope of the message. Thoughtful use – whether printed or sent sparingly – remains the best way to communicate effectively, today and tomorrow!