Green Tips
10 Easy Ways to Reduce Junk Mail
04/03/2025

10 Easy Ways to Reduce Junk Mail

Reducing junk mail can save time, reduce waste, and help keep your personal information more secure. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Opt Out of Pre-Screened Credit and Insurance Offers

  • Visit OptOutPrescreen.com or call 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688).
  • This removes you from lists used by credit bureaus for firm offers of credit/insurance.

2. Register with DMAchoice

  • Go to DMAchoice.org (managed by the Direct Marketing Association).
  • You can opt out of national advertising mail for catalogs, magazine offers, and other types.

3. Contact Senders Directly

  • If you’re receiving mail from a specific company, contact them and ask to be removed from their mailing list.
  • Look for a customer service phone number or email on the mail piece.

4. Be Cautious When Sharing Your Address

  • When entering sweepstakes, signing up for online offers, or donating to charities, uncheck boxes that allow third-party sharing.
  • Use a separate email or a P.O. Box if needed.

5. Remove Your Address from Data Brokers

  • Companies like Whitepages, Spokeo, Intelius, etc. gather and sell your information.
  • Visit their sites and search for opt-out options (it takes time but can reduce both email and physical junk mail).

6. Stop Catalogs You Don’t Want

7. Sign Up for a “Do Not Mail” List

  • Some states offer their own opt-out services or resources. Check your state government’s consumer protection office.

8. Mark “Return to Sender”

  • Write “Return to Sender – Remove Me From List” on unsolicited mail and drop it back in the mailbox.
  • Results vary, but some senders will honor it.

9. Shred or Recycle Responsibly

  • Until your efforts fully take effect (which can take several weeks/months), continue to shred personal mail and recycle the rest.

10. Use the PaperKarma App

Green Tips
0