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Deal of the Day by Kelli B. Grant (Author Archive)
Stopping Junk Mail Is Easy, and Good for the Environment
Updated on February 8, 2008.
WORRIED ABOUT THE environment? Wondering what you can do to make a difference? Here's a simple solution: Eliminate junk mail.
The average American household receives 18 pieces of unsolicited junk mail each week, according to the Center for a New American Dream, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting responsible consumerism. Tallied up, that bulk accounts for 100 million trees lost each year and carbon emissions equivalent to three million cars. By reducing the amount of junk mail you receive each year, you personally will save two trees and prevent some 92 pounds of carbon dioxide from being released into the air. (And we won't even mention the numerous trips to the chiropractor that you will have spared your mail carrier.)
All it takes is a few minutes of your time. Just follow these steps:
De-list your name
Most senders of unsolicited junk mail get your name and address from one of three sources: Abacus Catalog Alliance (catalogs), Direct Marketing Association (fliers, brochures, etc.), or the credit bureaus (credit card and insurance offers), says Paul Stephens, a policy analyst with Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, a consumer advocacy group. If you do nothing else, take the time to wipe your name from these lists. "That'll get rid of most of your junk mail," he says. Here's how to do so:
Abacus Catalog Alliance: Signing up permanently halts the catalog mailings from association members. Email abacusoptout@epsilon.com with your full name and current address.
Direct Marketing Association: Stops direct mail marketing from association companies for five years. There is a $1 fee. Access forms here for online or mail-in submission.
OptOutPrescreen.com: This joint venture of the four credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, Innovis, and TransUnion) puts a stop to prescreened credit and insurance solicitations. Sign up to halt these mailings for five years, or stop them permanently. Call 1-888-5-OPTOUT, or fill out a form here.
Pick up the phone
Unfortunately, not every company sending junk mail your way belongs to one of these big three. Plus, companies with which you have a business relationship — from your credit-card issuer to that Internet retailer you ordered from once — can (and will) continue to send you mail. When you get a stray piece of junk, curb that initial impulse to throw it out, suggests Edgar Dworsky, editor of Consumer World a consumer resource web site. Instead, give the company's toll-free number a call and ask to be removed from the mailing list. Having the actual letter or catalog on hand may make the process easier, he says. Look for a customer number on the label, which may help the reps access your records more quickly.
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Order ReprintsI even opted out from the yellow book. What do I need it for, since the internet is right here.
http://awakening.weebly.com/stop-junk-mail.html
If you have no phone number, use (xxx)555-1212 (xxx= your area code). That is the sham phone number I always use when a number is required but I don't want to give mine.
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