How to Stop Junk Mail

The average American Jane gets more than 41 pounds of junk mail a year. That’s a whole lot of Victoria’s Not-So-Secrets and faux lottery winnings. In case you haven’t heard of it, the organization 41 Pounds will help you cut this pile back by 80-95% for a low annual fee. According to FAQs on their site, this would make the Lorax very happy because they help:

Keep trees in the forest. More than 100 million trees are destroyed each year to produce junk mail. 42% of timber harvested nationwide becomes pulpwood for paper.

Reduce global warming. The world’s temperate forests absorb 2 billion tons of carbon annually. Creating and shipping junk mail produces more greenhouse gas emissions than 9 million cars.

Save water. About 28 billion gallons of water are wasted to produce and recycle junk each year.

Save time. You waste about 70 hours a year dealing with junk mail

And this personally benefits you because:

41pounds.org eliminates 80-95% of junk mailings for you by contacting dozens of direct marketers on your behalf.
By reducing your junk mail for 5 years, you’ll conserve 1.7 trees and 700 gallons of water, and prevent global warming emissions — and you’ll gain about 350 hours of free time!
By stopping credit card offers and other junk mail, you’ll help protect your identity from theft and fraud.

All good stuff. The service isn’t free (they’re a non-profit), but it’s a whole lot cheaper than ill-advised late-night orders of loden-colored sweaters and bottle openers that also tell time. And in this economy, trust me, opening up a new credit card is not a good idea.

It’s $41 dollars, which covers you for five years. Plus, $15 of it goes to the non-profit of your choosing.

Ok, I’m big on talk, but am officially signing up for it right now. Do it with me and report back?

41pounds.org

[Image from 41pounds.org]

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