Junk Mail
Junk mail is mail that is unsolicited and unwanted, and a tremendous amount of paper is used for mail that is often never even opened. Junk mail can be recycled with other mixed paper ("office pack").
Reduce
Try these reduction tips:
Opt-out of Direct Mail
Contact the Direct Marketing Association online at www.dmaconsumers.org to put your name into a "delete file". You must re-register after five years.
Call Mail Order Catalog Companies
If you receive an unsolicited catalog, call and tell them you want to be taken off their lists.
Stop Pre-Approved Credit Card Offers
Call 888-5 OPTOUT (567-8688) and ask to be removed from lists for pre-approved credit card offers.
Stop Your Name From Being Added to New Mailing Lists
Specifically request your name be removed from a mailing list the next time you order merchandise through the mail, fill out a warranty card, complete a consumer survey, join an organization, subscribe to a magazine or renew your credit card.
Factoids about Junk Mail
Each year, 100 million trees are used to produce junk mail. 250,000 homes could be heated with one day's supply of junk mail. Americans receive almost 4 million tons of junk mail every year. The yearly production and disposal of junk mail consumes more energy than 2.8 million cars.
Source: The Earthworks Group [December 1989]. 50 Simple Things You Can Do to Save the Earth. Bathroom Readers Pr. ISBN 0-929634-06-3.