Is there anything about Startmail (company that does Startpage.com) that is worth avoiding? I’ve never paid for mail but if it’s solid and avoids Google I might.

How about a fellow anti-American?

If they make their own publicity out of it, that indicates what they are getting is goodwill, essentially at no cost. I don’t think that’s a bad thing ethnically or from a business point of view.

They could also be saving minor costs on waste management, disposal, etc. I’m sure they don’t remove organics from plastic before chucking it away, so they’re likely paying for that process by the tonne.