#23 Junk Mail

100+ways
Written By Heal The Planet

Are you aware that the average American gets 18 pieces of junk mail for every one piece of standard mail? Junk mail is not only an annoyance, more importantly – it is a negligent use of our natural resources. The forests on Earth absorb 2 billion tons of carbon a year. Junk mail adds to rapid deforestation – meaning that there are fewer trees aiding in the reduction of greenhouse gases. 

The Great Paper Waste:

To produce junk mail, we must rely upon trees. It is estimated that over 100 million trees are used annually to produce junk mail alone. Global deforestation is responsible for almost 20% of all carbon emissions – the leading contributor to global warming. Let’s look at some additional facts on junk mail.

 

Facts on Junk Mail:

  • Over 100 billion pieces of junk mail are delivered in the US every year.

  • The EPA reports that 60% of all junk mail ends up in landfills, and is not recycled.

  • Direct mail marketing is a $10 billion industry in the US.

  • 33% of all mail delivered worldwide is junk mail. 

  • Junk mail produces more than 51 million metric tons of greenhouse gases each year – which is equivalent to 9 million passenger cars.

  • Junk mail adds 1 billion pounds of waste to landfills each year. 

  • The U.S. Postal Service has installed over 4,000 postal recycling stations around the country to combat paper waste. 

 

HOW CAN I MAKE AN IMPACT?

Tier 1: Global Goodness

  • Start by recycling all junk mail. Most junk mail can be recycled into paperboard and tissue products.

  • Go paperless. Register your accounts to receive all communication via email.  

  • Don’t sign up for things that you don’t want or need. Simply decline when people offer to send you advertisements for new products.  

Tier 2: Planet Protector

  • All of Tier 1.

  • Eliminate credit card promotions by calling 1-888-567-8688 (that’s 888-5OPT-OUT).

  • If you don’t use your local phone book, contact DexPages and opt out of next year’s print.  

  • Donate to charities that don’t bombard you with junk mail. 

  • Spread the word about the environmental effects of junk mail.  

Tier 3: Earth Angel

  • All of Tiers 1 & 2.

  • Plant trees. There are numerous non-profits around the country that make planting trees a priority.

  • Stop unwanted catalogs. Catalog Choice is a free service that sends merchants your opt-out requests.  

  • Remove your name from mailing lists. It can take up to 90 days for the junk mail to stop. There is a $2.00 processing fee.  

  • Choose to be an Ambassador for Change, and always Spread Loveand Spread Light.

 
 
Heal The Planet
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