One month of junk mail in bloom

41 ounces. Roughly 1.2 kilograms.

That’s the amount of junk mail that found its way to our mailbox from March 22 to April 22, 2019.

In an effort to publicize and advocate for easy ways of opting out of unwanted paper mail, I have been weighing our daily “delivery”, documenting my efforts to opt out and… folding every sheet that was foldable. (About 15oz cannot be folded because of the thickness of the paper).

Here is what it looks like.

Beautiful… and appalling. Think of how many gallons of water, how many trees and how much ink are used to print and send these, just to be tossed in the recycling bin!!

So, how can you make a difference ? Here are a few things you can do.

CATALOGS

When you receive a catalog (Ikea, Pottery barn…) call them to opt out or look online to see if there is a “one-click opt out” option. Do it on the spot if you can. If you can’t, set the catalogs aside and have a monthly “opting-out” day.

CREDIT CARD PROMOTIONAL MAILINGS

Call1-888-567-8688 to opt out for 5 years or visit http://www.optoutprescreen.com. 

LIST BROKERS’ DATABASES

There are several list brokers and direct marketing firms selling your address to marketing departments. You will need to opt out for your name and the names of past residents at the same address. Start saving the labels of all the variations of the names and addresses that come to your mailbox.

Here are some of the most ubiquitous : 

Retailmenot.com
https://www.retailmenot.com/everyday/unsubscribe
Or Call 1.800.437.0479 and select option 3

Main brokers 

www.infousa.com

www.leadsplease.com

www.exactdata.com

Use the “chat box” that appears on the lower right when you visit their website and “chat” your way out of the lists they sell.

Valpak

Have the Valpak mailing label handy and fill in your information exactly as it is printed. If you really like/need coupons, you can always look for e-versions downloaded onto your phone!! 

https://www.valpak.com/coupons/show/mailinglistsuppression