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How to reduce junk mail Junk mail is a waste of time and resources. More than 100 million trees are cut down every year to produce the 100 billion pieces of junk mail sent out to American homes. To reduce your junk mail, you need to reduce access to your name and address so that it won't be traded or sold. Contact the Direct Marketing Association. The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) is the single largest provider of direct mail lists. They charge a $1 fee if you send your request by mail or you can submit through the online form at www.dmachoice.com DMA Mail Preference Service PO Box 643 Carmel, NY 10512Remove your name from credit card offers by calling 888-5-OPTOUT(567-8688). You do not need to provide your Social Security number. Stay on the line and they will process your request without your Social Security number. Remove your name from specific catalogs by visiting www.CatalogChoice.org You can also contact the catalog and tell them you want your name taken off their list. Stop junk faxes by contacting the sender of the faxes. If you are unsuccessful, file a complaint with the Consumer Information Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission at 888-225-5322. Visit online www.StopJunkMail.org for a Stop Junk Mail Kit, sample form letters, and additional tips. The Junk Mail Reduction Campaign is sponsored by the Bay Area Recycling Outreach Coalition, a partnership of 110 Bay Area cities and counties. |
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Become an environmental shopper Much of the garbage that gets thrown away each day is left over packaging, such as paper or plastic wrap. Some experts say as much as 1/3 of what gets thrown away is packaging.
So what can you do?
Reuse |
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When at the grocery store: Many stores provide incentive for each bag you bring in. So get the habit--cloth bags won't tear like plastic or paper. Store a few in your car so you will have them when you need them. |
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Recycle What do you know about the packaging of the product? Is the packaging recyclable? If not, is the same product available in recyclable packaging? Buy recycled Look for products that are made with or are packaged with recycled materials. Cereal boxes and other cardboard containers often say "Made with 100% recycled content". This message tells you that the box was made from used paper and cardboard. Also look for items that have "post-consumer" content. You may be buying recycled without even knowing it. Many things you buy are made with recycled materials and do not always advertise it. For example, in California, the average aluminum container is made up of 55% recycled aluminum, the average glass bottle is made of 30% recycled glass, and the average steel can is made of 25% recycled steel. So, when you buy many cans and bottles you are really buying a recycled product. |
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Contact us at eco-desk@recyclenow.org |
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