Friday, November 15, 2002

Dear Marti,

How can I stop the incessant stream of useless junk mail flooding my mailbox on a daily basis? I know it’s going to get worse because the “holidaze” are coming and my recycling bin is already at maximum capacity.

Signed,

“Deluged”

Dear Deluged,

Useless junk mail? You must not be getting the same great mail I am. I myself just got the offer for a “you won’t believe the detail” William Shatner Star Trek limited edition collector’s plate for the low, low price of $39.95 (not available in stores)! Now that’s quality stuff. But I hear ya, there is a lot of other “junk” mail out there (or “direct mail” as those in the marketing biz prefer to call it).

According to the Center for a New American Dream, each of us receives 34 pounds of junk mail a year—a total of over 9 billion pounds in the U.S. alone. That equates to the destruction of over 70 million trees, and the use of 28 billion gallons of water. It may seem like junk mail is just an inevitable part of our American lives, but you can reclaim your box.

First, you have to know the magic words to help you avoid getting on lists in the first place. They go like this: “Please do not rent, trade, or sell my name or address.” Now you have to know when to use them. Say them every time you place an order from a catalog or sign up for a magazine on the phone. The sales rep will then flag your name so your information won’t be spread from their computer to every mail order catalog in the nation. Write the magic words next to your name and address every time you fill out a form such as a warranty, subscription, credit card application, or membership for an organization.

To get rid of unwanted catalogs and publications, call their toll-free number you would use to place an order and ask to be removed from their list. Businesses and organizations will be glad to hear from you—it reduces their costs of sending to an uninterested customer.

For those credit card applications, call 1-888-567-8688 (that’s 1-888-5OPT OUT). This is an automated line that allows you to enter your personal information to have it removed from the four major credit reporting agencies that send all those offers.

Finally, go to the source. These companies are getting your name from marketing brokers, so theirs is one list you don’t want to be on. One of the easiest ways to get your name removed is to visit the Center for a New American Dream’s website at www.newdream.org . They have letters already written for you to send to various direct marketers to request that your name be removed from their lists. You need only fill out the online form, then print, sign, and send to the addresses on the letters.

That should work. Of course, it will make it a lot harder for Ed McMahon to find you in case he needs to let you know you might already be a winner, but hopefully you can live with that.

For more tips on reducing your junk mail, see the Eco-Cycle website at www.ecocycle.org , or call 303-444-6634 for a free brochure.

Send your eco-questions to marti@ecocycle.org