Junking Junk Mail

Hey Mr. Green,
Your answer about getting off catalog mailing lists was incomplete. Before calling the catalog companies, you should first call every bank, credit-card company, or mortgage company you use. Ask for customer service and ask what privacy options are available for your account. These might include being taken off lists for internal marketing or not having your name traded or sold to any other company.

Also, call every magazine you have a subscription to and request the same privacy options. Often doing these things will significantly reduce the number of catalogs you get and help save trees. It takes a bit of time at first but is quite rewarding when your mailbox becomes noticeably less burdened.

Another thing you can do with any junk mail that includes a stamped self-addressed envelope: Remove the part that has your name and address on it, mark it "Please take me off your mailing lists," and send it back to the mailers using their postage. I take this very seriously and receive almost no junk mail. --Nancy in Tucson, Arizona

Hey Nancy,
You propose one bodacious preemptive strike, in that you start by going after everybody who could ever provide your name to any mailing list even before you go after the folks whose mailing lists you're already on. "It takes a bit of time" might be an understatement for some folks, considering the number of credit cards many hold in our debt-ridden economy, not to mention the notorious difficulty of getting through to a real live person at these card companies. But in the long run, even this method might save time by creating a lot less junk mail to sort through.
Environmentally,
Mr. Green

Comments

[Hawaii Vacation Packages]

I agree with Nancy in Tucson, Arizona.

I have sucessfully reduced the junk mail we receive. However, everytime I order from online(ebay/amazon,coldwatercreek etc.)or from a catalog company, I aways end up with new junk mail bomarding me.

It's crazy, then I have to call every catalog company and stop those mailings.

[kellys]

I love that the most junk mail I seem to get are related to philanthropic organizations. All because I give to NPR I think, and I used to give to Sierra club. Now I'm too broke, and just feel guilty--but also a bit annoyed because of the cost of all these mailings!
Maybe I should just be happy someone is keeping our nation's Postal Service employed...

[M Collins]

I can't find a spot to opt out of your mailing list. Please exclude me from all other mailings. Thank you.