Take yourself off of junk mailing lists

The Biblical law of Baal Tashchit, Do Not Waste, can be used to address an infinite number of environmental concerns. Waste is at the foundation of many, if not all of our environmental problems. The resources of the world are not merely museum pieces, to be observed at a distance, but rather are here for our use. However, how we use these resources now directly affects whether they will be around in the future. I can, to some extent, relate to wastefulness when it involves something enjoyable or convenient. It is easier sometimes to use disposable dishes, or nicer to take long hot showers. But when it comes to something like junk mail, I cannot think of anyone who actually enjoys having their mailbox filled with meaningless coupons and solicitations. Not to mention the huge amount of waste such mailings create.

Take yourself off of junk mailing lists.

Why is this important? Aside from simply being annoying, junk mail contributes over 500 mailings worth of garbage for EACH HOUSEHOLD in this country. Oftentimes this does not get recycled because the envelopes are not recyclable while the content is, but people rarely even open them and simply throw them in the garbage. Additionally, these mailings require other resources to get them form the company to your door, and that contributes to pollution as well.

How do you get yourself off of these lists? Here are a few tips from the Passaic County Office of Natural Resources:

Tip No. 1 - To limit your mail to those items you look forward to receiving, write "DO NOT RENT OF SELL MY NAME" or "NO MAILING LISTS" next to your name when you correspond back.

Tip No. 2 - Contact companies directly, in order to stop receiving mail from specific sources. Call the customer service number of the organization or business in question. Many companies have free 800 numbers. Request that your name be removed from their mailing list. If there is no convenient phone number, send in a written request that is signed and dated.

Tip No 3 - To remove your name from many national mailing lists, write to the Direct Marketing Association's Mail Preference Service. This free service is good for up to five years. It works only for national mail, not local mail, and only for residential addresses, not businesses.

You can do this online for a $5 fee at http://www.dmaconsumers.org/consumerassistance.html#mail. Or send your name and address (in every variation shown on the junk mail you receive) to:

Mail Preference Service
Direct Marketing Association
PO Box 9008
Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008

DON’T FORGET TO USE YOUR SIGNATURE TO FULLY AUTHORIZE YOUR REQUEST.

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