||| FROM KIM SECUNDA |||
Below is a photo of Ruralite magazine trash clogging up the post office. Literally all three cans overflowing. Stop it. Have opt in only or electronic magazine.
This has to stop. Put it on the agenda and please advertise more broadly, and sooner before a town hall, many elders need paper , they don’t do email. This should have been advertised on our bill a month ago. Smacks of the usual evasion and exclusion.
Ask Don’t Tell
**If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced, voluntary subscription. Otherwise, no worries; we’re happy to share with you.**
Any OPALCO members who want to opt out of Ruralite feel free to send an email to communications@opalco.com.
Thanks for the helpful link Krista! I just opted out. One small step towards a more environmentally sound electric co op.
I’ve also noticed how many of the Ruralite magazines are strewn around the post office. What a waste of money, energy and paper.
Thank you, Krista.
I want to opt out of Ruralite and just sent an email requesting it.
I recommend you establish an opt in policy, rather than an opt out, for a truer understanding of who wants this publication. I never realized that was an option, until now.
I imagine most of us don’t want our co-op money wasted like this.
I’ve never read it, and it immediately ends up in the recycling bin.
Personally, I wish the entire U.S. mail program would start with me not getting so much junk mail. And from the look of the always overflowing recycle box at the P.O. I would hazard a guess that there are many who feel the same. Thank you Kim for bringing this subject up, (as sore as it may be). And thank you Krista for stepping up, I appreciate that we are able to “opt out” of the Ruralite magazine for those that want to, (I wish there was a similar national program).
Like some, I’m always trying to figure out ways to lower my own electrical consumption… not only because I want to lower my monthly bills, but because an energy crisis is coming and I want to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. As such… I choose to conserve. And though I can see all around me that there are many who aren’t (conserving), I want others and I want OPALCO to do the same.
Though, mind you, at my level I’m unable to see the bigger picture perhaps, in trying to think of ways for OPALCO to save $$$, one of the things that has come to my mind is how much it must cost to produce and distribute the monthly Ruralite magazine. Even though in a closer inspection one can see that it’s a regional production, and as such, it might not cost as much as my thoughts conjure up, I still wonder… is it worth the cost? Afterall, 9() + % of what’s in the magazine is neither interesting to, nor does it effect me in any way, shape, or form. For example, is it only me, or does it not seem to others to be a bit incongruous with the moment that an industry that is in the throes of conflict such as our national and regional electrical energy sector is… why they would take it upon themselves to publish a magazine that spends as much space promoting tourism? P-3 Paths Worth Taking, P-10, 11 Pioneer Mary Adams, P-12 , 15, Hidden Wonders of the West, P-20 Yellowstone Natl. Park. Seriously? I mean, c’mon, not only is tourism at the top of the charts as far as greenhouse gas emissions go, but I cringe wondering when it will be our turn to be showcased, (just turn it off already).
To continue, I’ve also wondered why OPALCO has to go to the trouble and expense of having an annual meeting on the ferry, or suffer the cost of the reimbursements that old-timers get from their fee recovery program, (I know, I know, I’m not making any friends on this one). But, speaking for myself, if I was to get an annual return check in the mail just because I had been a coop member for a hundred years… I would happily give it back.
Having said this, I must also say that there ARE always one or two things in each Ruralite magazine that IS relative to, and of interest to me. As I review several of the past issues that I’ve saved, stories like Powering the Future (Home battery systems can revolutionize energy independence), and Generate Safely (Don’t create problems with your backup generator), and Delivering Power and Quality of Life (Center island gets a new submarine cable), and more recently the Feb. 2026 issue offered Strained by Shortages (Supply chain issues still challenge mission for affordable reliable service) article on P-6, and Securing Power for the Islands (OPALCO signs a new contract with Bonneville Power Administration) on P-28. These, and the energy saving tips (P-26 Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month) is something that is relevant to all of us. This is exactly what gets my attention… it’s what I need to read.
I wonder, instead of continuing to distribute the regional Ruralite magazine as is, one that’s full of tourist come-ons, sales ads, recipes, and stories that don’t particularly interest many of us, I wonder if OPALCO might instead just issue a monthly or quarterly newsletter that is more SJC specific (with, of course, continuing to air the regional activities that are/will affect us)?
Just thinkin.
Amen, Kim, and thanks Krista.
I’ve just sent an email opting out for the two copies I receive–one personal, the other for me as trustee for a land trust.
My guess is that if Opalco polled its members, a majority would also stop receiving the “magazine.”
I know by now I’m a bit quirky in many ways, but let me register an appreciative yay for Ruralite. I really enjoy looking through it. It’s simple, informative, aimed at spotlighting pertinent issues and interesting people. No bots, AI or ego grandstanding. I love the want ads for things like buttons, cards for elders, books, recipes. I myself have sent people items they requested. (am on the fence about sending the guy pennies from this last issue lol) Its a bit of a glimpse to a different time. Then to read how grateful elders are who have received dozens if not hundreds of well wishes for high double, even triple digit birthdays-its nice to know there are folks out there who will stop the fast flow of their days and respond. The new editor has written some very altruistic editorials.
And-I think the opt in is a great idea.