recycle-logo.jpgIf we've learned anything from the amazing Bea of The Zero Waste Home, it's that recycling should be a last resort; out of the 3 R's -- reducing, reusing, recycling -- reducing the amount of waste you produce has the most positive eco-impact.

While cutting back on what we choose to consume is one step, what about things you didn't even want in the first place, like junk mail?

This week's Green Goal is to analyze the contents of your mailbox.  Take some time to really pay attention to the items that go straight from your mailbox to the recycle bin, then follow the steps below based on your findings!

Junk Mail

Register with DMAchoice to handpick which direct mail offers you'd like to receive -- or remove your name from its direct mail lists entirely.

Credit Offers

Head over to OptOutPrescreen.com to stop receiving unsolicited offers of pre-approved credit or insurance.

Statements

Many utility companies, banks, and credit cards offer paperless billing.  Take advantage by signing up for e-statements whenever possible.

Catalogs

Removing your name from the Direct Mail list won't stop you from receiving catalogs from companies you've purchased from in the past.  You can either contact the company directly or see if you can cancel the catalog through a site like Catalog Choice.

Yellow Pages

Enter your zip code into The Yellow Pages Association's site to get information on how to opt-out of the yellow pages delivered in your area.

Everything Else

You can try writing "refused" and sending the junk mail back, or call the company responsible for the mailing and request to be taken off their list.

Keep in mind that most of these tactics to eliminate junk mail can take up to six weeks to go into effect, so you won't necessarily see a decrease right away.  But with a little bit of monitoring, effort, and patience, soon the only things you'll find in your mailbox will be birthday presents and postcards from friends!