As of this blog post, the cost of a stamp is $0.58 (Incidentally, postage rates are scheduled to increase twice yearly, so stock up on those Forever stamps). However, those gremlins that send you junk can send you a credit card offer for as little as 19 cents.
The odd thing is, fewer than four percent of recipients ever respond to those flyers/unbelievable offers/kindling. I still get offers to reduce my mortgage—on a house I sold four years ago. Silly junk mailers. They are throwing away over $44 billion each year.
And it gets worse.
- According to author Edward Humes, the energy expended on U.S. junk mail in one day could heat 250,000 homes.
- 100 million trees are destroyed each year to produce junk mail.
- Junk mail produces more greenhouse gas emissions than 9 million cars.
- The average person spends (aka wastes) 70 hours a year chucking junk mail.
I could go on (and on, and on) but
if that last one doesn’t convince you….
So what can you do?
First, remove your name from the Direct Marketing Association (DMA). A significant amount of garbage mail comes from DMA, but you can opt out. The service will cost you $2 for 10 years, but isn’t 700 hours of your time worth it? And you can use PayPal.
Here’s the link (Click Get Started): https://www.dmachoice.org/
Finally, 40-60% of junk mail ends up in landfills. If you do get garbage in your mailbox, put it in the recycle bin. Come on, people. it’s not that hard.
6 comments:
Thanks for the link/phone number, Robin! I do recycle junk mail and have greatly reduced the influx by writing REFUSED!!! or DECEASED!!! At one point I received over a dozen calendars. Now I receive 4 or 5 and donate the 3 - 4 I don't use to a group that works with youth aging out of foster care, the senior center, etc. I see the $2 for 10 years as a fantastic investment!
Here's to more trees and that 700 hours to do something fun.
I agree with all of it and am definitely going to write to be removed. Thank you!
Thats crazy! So much waste! Very interesting info, Ill be removing my name from the site you listed right away, thanks!! :)
I know the next task to hit my TO DO list for next week. Thanks for a very informative post.
Thank you -- this is SO helpful! I just removed myself with the $2 payment -- yay. I do definitely recycle all that paper that comes in, but it's still ridiculous that it even goes out at this volume.
Dear Robin - Thank you SO much for posting this action and fact-packed article. I've been rabidly green for a veeeeery long time and am thrilled to help spark folks into mindful living. Even though paring down the junk mail can take a while, the process is so worth it for so many reasons! The facts (with numbers) you share is the truth-telling info many need to get inspired so they take action. Brava! You've already gained some converts from what I've read in the Comments here. Carry on, Warrioress, and Thank You for writing and sharing this piece with us all.
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