Junk Mail
In our efforts to green things up this year, we’ve noticed that one of our biggest contributors of waste comes via the mailbox. While we’re all for a handwritten letter or a surprise care package, we get way too much unsolicited junk that goes straight up the stairs into the recycling bin. From direct mailings, catalogs that we haven’t looked at in years, or billing statements that we view online anyway it all adds up to a big waste.
Some quick facts that leave us feeling junky:
1. Each American receives over 500 pieces of junk mail each year. (which adds up to a number that looks something like this- 184,800,000,000)
2. More than 100 million trees loose thier lives to junk mail each year
3. We all waste about 8 hours a year dealing with junk mail
So how do you make it all go away?
You can start by going online or contacting all those lovely places that send you legitimate bills each month and sign up for paperless statements. Many places even offer rewards if you decide to save them the cost of printing and mailing. (just be sure to read the fine print)
When it comes to the the junk, services have sprouted up everywhere to help you to declutter your mailbox-
GreenDimes – This is a pay service but for $20 they promise to eliminate up to 90% of your junkmail and plant 10 trees on your behalf
DirectMail.com - A free, national do-not mail list.
OptOutPrescreen – Say goodbye to pre-approved credit card offers for good.
Need more info? Check out Native Forest Network’s Guide to Stopping Junk Mail.
Win it!
