Junk mail Reducing Unwanted Mail Americans receive over 65 billion pieces of unsolicited mail each year, equal to 230 appeals, catalogs and advertisements for every woman, man, and child in the country. It takes about 68 million trees per year to produce the catalogs and appeals we receive in the mail. Nearly half of this mail is thrown out unopened. Off Mailing Lists Eliminate unwanted or duplicate mailings by calling the toll-free numbers when listed or by writing the sender. Ask to be taken off mailing lists, which most firms will do, no questions asked.
Many firms now send one or more catalogs per month.
In some cases, you can request fewer catalogs, such as one per season. You can use postage-paid business reply envelopes when provided to request that your name be taken off mailing lists. This method may be the least effective in getting off lists. Since the mail openers will be interested only in positive responses, your request may end up in a recycling bin. Many companies and organizations now provide a checkoff box on membership or order forms so you can request that your name not be shared with others.