How to Stop the junk mail

Junk Mail! Don't ya hate it...Talk about something that takes away from the earth...

Here are some tips to get rid of that junk mail...

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. When you get those credit card offers, open the envelope up, take everything out and then stuff everything (including the original envelope) into the postage paid "return-to-sender" envelope. Seal the envelope and put it back in the mail. The credit card company has paid for the postage because they wanted to make sure they got the information back, so don't disappoint them.

2. Another trick you can try is to get off the mailing lists altogether...you can register with these sites and in a few months you should see a decrease in your credit card junk mail.
   
   Check the resource section below for the links...

3. You can also try calling the phone number listed under the publisher details on the junk mail. Most of the time these companies will remove you from their mailing lists.

4. Finally, to keep unnecessary paper out of your house sign up for electronic billing. This is usually a free service that companies offer. All you need is a bank or debit card and an email address to set it up. This will save you from writing checks and it will save you the cost of stamps...

Tips & Warnings

• If enough people do this, maybe they would get the hint and think twice before sending us anything else...
• Any business you do with a comapany via mail services, will put you on a contact list. So you need to make sure right from the beginning with the first contact (placing an order or setting up your accoutn) that you ask to be put on its "in-house suppress" or "do not promote" lists. Tell the company you do not want them to "rent" or share your name with other companies.
• You might want to use a black permanent marker to "black out" your personal information

Resources

• DirectMail.com
• Opt Out Prescreen
• ehow Going Green Guide

[DenaEBolton]

on 1/30/2009 I started to Step 1, and my junk mail has almost completely stopped. Going to try the other steps you've listed to eliminate the rest. Thanks!

[Sidhartha]

on 1/22/2009 All I can say is amen to this article. Junk mail and spamming is out of control.

[SharonJeanne]

on 1/17/2009 Great tips on stopping the junk mail! So many days I stop at the trash can on my way in and dump 90% of it in there. Thanks! 5*!

[tdpol1]

on 1/16/2009 This is a great article! There are many days I head straight to the garbage can from the mail box. I'll definitely use these tips to stop the madness :-)

[PropMgr]

on 1/15/2009 Great info on junk mail...I will pass this along to my residents. Thanks! ;) 5*