Junking Your Junk Mail

Something for all you who live out there in the Mini-Apple, or St. Paul too: The Twin Cities Green Guide. Information on co-ops, tips for sustainable beer drinking ("Drink locally produced beer to reduce resources used in transportation.") and upcoming green events provided for your Minnesotan edification and delight.


The Green Guide also offers tips for any American to cut down on their junk mail. The Green Guide cites the EPA figures: 5.2 million tons of junk mail are shipped every year; .98 million of those are recycled and 4.2 million of those are trashed. That's 31 pounds of junk mail per person going into the garbage each year. The good news is, you can stop this mail before it even gets in the postal truck! Start with these three easy steps.

1. To stop getting Val-Pak coupons (you know you'll never get that carpet cleaning or those personalized checks!):
Send an e-mail to valerie@valpak.com with REMOVE FROM MAILING in the subject line. Include your address, city, state, and zip/postal code exactly as it appears on the Val-Pak blue envelope or mailing label.

2. To register with a Do-Not Mail Service:
Send a postcard with your name and address to:

Mail Preference Service
PO Box 643
Carmel, NY 10512-0643

3. To opt-out of credit card applications:
Call 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688)
(You will have to share your social security number.)