What does it even mean – an ethical mailbox?
For me, it’s quite straightforward: one that doesn’t read your messages, respects the limitations of your device’s storage, and promotes responsible usage of natural resources, protects you from behavioral extractivism and cognitive overload.
In one world that would mean ethical mailbox is the one which cares!
The gmail dominance
Let’s give a closer look to gmail for a second (only a second, I don’t want to give this vicious company too much of our attention).
With over 1.8 billion users worldwide, which accounts for approximately 22% of the global population, it is one of the most popular email services in the whole world, with around 75% of gmail users accessing their emails via mobile devices.
And here’s where things get interesting.
Statistics show that the size of mobile apps has increased dramatically over time. According to Sensor Tower data, the gmail app grew from 41 MB in October 2016 to 197 MB in November 2016 (an almost 380% increase) after a “redesign”. Today, the gmail app has reached a staggering 609 MB – that’s over half a gigabyte!
From a privileged European perspective, it’s easy to overlook how this bloat creates digital exclusion.
For communities with limited internet access, expensive data plans, or older devices, downloading a 609 MB email app can be simply impossible. When basic communication tools become this resource-intensive, we’re effectively building digital walls around who can participate in online conversations.
What’s more, as our messages and attachments grow heavier, google’s solution isn’t to optimize their service - it’s to sell you more storage.
When you inevitably hit that 15GB free limit, your only option is to subscribe to google one, creating a cycle where users pay to maintain access to their own communications. The company that profits from analyzing your data also charges you for the privilege of storing it.
Behavioral extractivism and cognitive overload
What’s often overlooked is how email services like gmail have become sophisticated tools for behavioral extractivism - the practice of collecting, analyzing, and monetizing user behavior data.
Features like “Smart Compose” don’t just help you write emails: this is an AI solution which continuously learns from your writing patterns, communication style, and personal expressions.
The average person at work receives 121 emails per day, each one competing for attention in an already crowded mental workspace. This barrage of messages, often accompanied by advertisements and promotional content (68.4% of emails in gmail are tagged as promotions), creates a perfect storm for cognitive fatigue and reduced productivity.
This constant interruption taxes our limited cognitive resources, leading to what psychologists call “cognitive overload” – when the demand for cognitive processing exceeds an individual’s capacity.
The environmental impact
The environmental cost of a fully packed mailbox is also significant. The larger app size and more messages means more storage space, more processing power, and ultimately more energy consumption.
With AI features like Smart Compose requiring substantial computational resources, the environmental footprint extends far beyond carbon emissions.
Google data centers require massive amounts of water for cooling systems, depleting local water resources, while the constant hardware upgrades needed to run increasingly bloated software contribute to electronic waste.
Personal action
So the question arises: what can you do about it? And the answer is simple: switch to a lighter solution.
I personally use and recommend Tutanota.
What makes it so special?
First, Tutanota operates on a zero-knowledge principle, meaning even the service provider cannot access user data. This adds an extra layer of privacy, as users retain complete control over their information.
It’s open-source, allowing users to inspect the code for security vulnerabilities and ensuring that Tutanota adheres to high standards of integrity and transparency. This builds trust among users concerned about privacy.
The data centers used by Tutanota are powered by 100% renewable energy, aligning with environmentally responsible practices and appealing to eco-conscious users.
Tutanota offers competitive pricing with a free tier that includes essential features like end-to-end encryption, making secure email accessible to everyone without financial barriers.
And here’s the real kicker – it’s small!
The mobile app weighs only 49 MB, which is over 12 times smaller than gmail. This smaller footprint means less storage space used, less processing power required, and ultimately less cognitive burden on you.
In this case it is obvious that less is more! More of care, more of awareness and responsibility. By choosing a lightweight, privacy-focused email service, you’re not just protecting your data – you’re protecting your cognitive resources.
Tutanota creates a boundary between you and the constant stream of information competing for your attention. It gives you back control over when and how you engage with your communications, rather than being constantly pulled into checking notifications.
As a bonus, it seems that a bunch of cool people are working there – you can meet them here.
Making a conscious choice
As you can see your email client choice matters.
It’s not just about sending and receiving messages anymore: it’s about choosing a digital friend who respects your privacy, your device’s storage, your cognitive wellbeing, and promotes responsible usage of natural resources.
Ask yourself: what kind of friends do you want in your closest circle? Those who respect your boundaries, or those who constantly cross them? Those who listen without recording your conversations, or those who analyze every word you say to sell you something later?
Gmail is like that friend who seems helpful but is actually mining your conversations for patterns, habits, and preferences, all while consuming excessive natural resources.
It’s worth keeping in the back of your head that every email processed through their massive data centers requires significant water for cooling systems and electricity for operations. This environmental footprint extends far beyond carbon emissions, depleting local water resources and contributing to electronic waste through constant hardware upgrades.
Building resilience through solidarity
Choosing alternatives like Tutanota isn’t just about protecting yourself - it’s an act of solidarity that strengthens the regenerative digital ecosystem. By directing your resources toward smaller, ethical companies, you help build resilience against the monopolistic practices of tech giants.
This approach creates a healthier digital environment where companies compete based on respect for users rather than exploitation of their data. Every subscription to an ethical service is a vote for the kind of digital world we want to inhabit: one where our communication tools serve us rather than surveilling us.
Maybe it’s time to make that choice more consciously?
JO ✮⋆