Junk Mail - wasted time, energy, paper, resources, etc...

We all know the hassle and wasted time of dealing with unwanted junk mail, but have you thought about the additional resources wasted by junk mail? Did you know that:

• An average household receives 100 pounds of junk mail annually - that's approx 39 lbs per person?!
• One day's supply of junk mail nationally contains the energy to heat 250,000 homes?
• 100 million trees are used to produce one year's worth of junk mail?
• Nearly 6 billion credit card solications were sent to consumers in 2005?
  
• Over half of all junk mail is not recycled, but instead ends up in the garbage?

Not to mention the wasted money and gas resources used to produce, deliver, and dispose of this UNWANTED mail!! So, here are some resources to help you 'HOLD THE MAIL':

• Direct Marketing Association represents thousands of companies. Create an account and opt-out of mailings - either by category or company-specific. (http://www.dmachoice.org/)
• Catalog Choice allows you to decide which catalogs you get and in some cases, how often. Have the mailing labels from current catalogs handy so you can enter your customer number to make removal most effective. (http://www.catalogchoice.org/)
• Credit offers through the mail can put you at risk for identity theft, as well as the hassle of junk mail. Opt-out of those here. (http://www.optoutprescreen.com)
• ValPak - those blue envelopes with local coupons. Like some of the coupons? Many of them are available through ValPak's website. (http://www,valpak.com/ - click on contact us)
• Valassis Direct Mail sends coupon flyers (Red Plum, Mailbox Values, and ShopWi$e) (http://www.advo.com/consumersupport.html)
  
• Money Mailer is another national advertiser that sends mostly ads and coupons through the mail. You'll have to do this one through email though.

Other tips for reducing mail:

• Sign up for online bill pay and request e-statements where possible.
• Always make sure you check 'do not add me to mailing list' and 'do not sell/share my information' whenever you sign up for ANYTHING. If there isn't a spot on the form, write it in.
• Contact local organizations from whom you receive mailings and ask to be removed. Call, email, or send a postcard directly, as they are unlikely to be part of the national clearinghouses listed above.
• Opt out of receiving telephone books (who uses them anyway!) Click here for more info about phone books from a recent post. Do this first, as the deadline is rapidly approaching to prevent spring delivery!
  

It may take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for the changes to take effect. But, you should notice a decrease...eventually!

Don't have the time to opt-out of everything? Two organizations will do it for you, for a fee:

• 41 Pounds charges $41 for 5 years, but they donate $15 to a nonprofit of your choice.
• Green Dimes charges $20 per year, and they plant 5 trees.

Both organizations will get you off the lists/catalogs you request and will monitor those lists to make sure you get off and stay off (for as long as you pay the fee)! Also, you can buy 'gift cards' for their services. Can you think of a better 'green gift' than that??

For even more ideas and information, check out the flyer from Hennepin County.

Finally, don't forget to RECYCLE what junk mail you do receive! Shred mailings with sensitive information (e.g., credit offers) and put shredded paper in a stapled paper bag with your other recyclables.

Sources: Hennepin County, MN Pollution Control Agency