Paper used for junk mail is often virgin paper that has no post-consumer content. Junk mail often has a low recycle value and may contain toxic inks. Although it can be recycled to some extent, stopping junk mail from the source will have the greatest overall effect on saving landfill space. The average American receives close to a ton of junk mail per year. Each ton of recycled paper saves 17 trees and 3 cubic yards of landfill space. Stopping this waste of paper could have a tremendous impact on global environmental quality.
Do you open your mailbox each day to find it stuffed full of unsolicited mail, catalogs, credit card offers and advertisements for a variety of products and services? Remember, less junk mail means saving more trees, and much better use of landfill space. The following steps can help you reduce the amount of junk mail you receive.
DMA Mail Preference Service
Direct Marketing Association
P.O. Box 643, Carmel, NY 10512
Valpak
Address Removal
Velassis Direct Mail, Inc.
Consumer Assistance
P. O. Box 249, Windsor, CT 06095
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Contact your existing creditors and request that they not distribute your name to other organizations.
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Cancel catalogs by mail or by calling the toll-free ordering number and request that you be removed from their mailing list.
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Return postage paid envelopes with a note enclosed requesting that your name and address be removed from their mailing list.
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When donating to a charity, request that they not share your name with other organizations.