How to Reduce Waste from Junk Mail
I swear it used to be that every time I went to my mailbox to get my mail, I would find paper equal to at least one tree. Of course, most of this paper ended up in my recycling bin sooner or later. I always felt it was such a waste, and that’s when my quest for a paperless life began.
Most of the papers that entered my mailbox were advertisements and penny savers, but there were also bills, bank statements, etc. This is a huge waste of resources, which has a major impact on the environment. Over 19 million tons of paper end up in landfills each year in the US—a staggering 680 pounds of paper per person!
Striving toward a paperless life is a great way to promote green living. Junk mail has a tangible impact on the environment and climate. Did you know it takes 100 million trees to make junk mail each year? We have to remember that these trees are critical in combating climate change by absorbing carbon from the Earth’s atmosphere.
Eliminate Junk Mail — I’m sure I’m not alone in admitting that I hardly ever glance at junk mail. It’s not just a matter of personal preference; it wastes a tremendous amount of paper, trees, resources, and time. Fortunately, here in Sweden, where we live, we have the option of putting a sign on our mailbox that says ‘No Junk Mail.’ It’s a very effective way to stop junk from arriving at your home. In the U.S., you can place a “No Free Papers” sign on your mailbox.
Another effective method to stop junk mail in the U.S. or U.K. involves a bit more time and effort but proves worthwhile in reducing paper waste. You can contact the mail preference service in the U.S. and the mailing preference service in the U.K. These do-not-mail lists are maintained by the major marketing associations that distribute the major mailing lists, and they help you get onto an opt-out list by mail.
In the United States, a large percentage of the junk mail that consumers receive is from the Data and Marketing Association (DMA). The DMA has a service that allows junk mail recipients to choose what they want to receive and to opt out of entire categories of mail, such as magazines.
A lot of junk mail is credit card offers. To eliminate credit card promotional mailings, call 1-888-567-8688 (that’s 888-5OPTOUT) or visit OptOutPrescreen.com.
Some may be familiar with Valpak, for example, which delivers blue envelopes filled with ads and coupons from local companies. You can remove your address from the Valpak blue envelope mailing list by filling out a form on their website. If you want access to some of their offerings but don’t want to receive them via mail, you can print their coupons online.
Catalog Choice is a free service that allows you to unsubscribe from individual catalogs. Its database has nearly 10,000 catalog titles, including popular clothing brands, credit card companies, charities, and more.
To learn more ways to reduce paper waste check out my post here
