End Junk Mail!

Part of the whole green initiative we're focusing on is pre-cycling. Though I encourage you to separate your office paper, cardboard, and newspaper/magazines for recycling, wouldn't it be nice to just stop getting junk mail altogether?! This was one of my first experiments for the blog and almost four months later, I must say, it has worked wonders for our mail.

I sent letters to the agencies listed below to stop the unsolicited junk-y coupons (that are NEVER useful), magazines, catalogs, and other non-essential communication. I registered online with the Consumer Credit Reporting Companies (Equifax, Experian, Innovis, and TransUnion) to opt out of pre-screened/pre-approved credit offers. And we actually stopped receiving mail we immediately threw away.

I'm unsure as to which one helped the most because some days were worse in one category than the other, but I would suggest you follow my steps and rid yourself of potential identify theft situations and annoying mail which adds nothing but clutter to your life. 

1. Mail a request to have your name (and spouse's name) removed from their list. Include both full names and your complete mailing address. 

Val-Pack Coupons

Direct Marketing
PO Box 13428
St. Petersburg, FL 33733

Direct Marketing Association
PO Box 643
Carmel, NY 10512-0643

Advo, Inc.
Consumer Assistance
PO Box 249
Windsor, CT 06095

Harte-Hanks
List Removal Services
6701 Daymeadow Dr. Suite D
Glen Burnie, MD 21060-6401 

2. Opt out online with the top dogs of the Credit Reporting Agencies. This will stop all pre-screened or pre-approved credit offers within a few weeks.

3. Register on the Do Not Call list online or via phone (using the number you want registered) 888-382-1222

4.  Check out this website which details the FCC's rules, regulations and how to opt out of pretty much everything.

5. Forward any spam or unsolicited emails to: SPAM@uce.gov 

I hope this helps you all reduce the amount of clutter and junk in your mailboxes. It leaves room for good pieces of mail! We actually received one of those last week... :) 

Anyone else have experience using the above agencies to help lower unwanted solicitations?