Canning the Paper Spam

We all hate to get junk mail. You would think these companies would realize this by now. I remember getting an email, oh, probably a year ago that suggested sending it back to them. Most of these companies have return envelopes with free shipping. So send it back to them, add some other junk mail or advertisers as well to add weight. They will have wasted money on sending it too you and wasting money on the return postage, all for nothing. Not to mention the wage that they have to pay employees to open these useless envelopes as well.

The thinking behind this is that if enough people, like everyone, sent their mail back, then it would not be profitable to advertise in this way. Putting a stop to such a huge waste of trees. There are other less wasteful ways to advertise. Send the message, we don't want your paper!

Some of these companies don't have return envelopes, just a phone number. So... I call them and tell them to take me off of their mailing list. I know, I know, nobody likes talking to these people, but take one for the planet. I always make these calls while I'm doing the bills or checking my emails. That way I don't waste any of my time while doing this.

One tip; when it comes to the list full of options, press whatever number it is to sign up for service. They will put you through right away, afraid they will loose out on some money if they make you wait too long. When they start talking shop cut them off and tell them "Actually, I just want off the mailing list. I didn't know who else to tell." They have to take you off by law.

If they try to start their sales pitch. Just cut them off, don't let them finish the first sentence. Just say "No Thank You, I just want off the mailing list." If they still try, repeat "No Thank You, I just want off the mailing list." They will eventually give up if they are the pushy type. Most of them will stop with the sales pitch after the first time or two.

If everyone says no to junk mail, we can help to put a stop it. Tell your friends and family and maybe we can help save a major amount of trees. I personally get great joy out of sending them their junk back.