How many catalogs and mail do you receive everyday and put directly in the trash? I had never really thought about it before, until a friend at work sent me information on how to reduce the amount of catalogs that I receive. How Smarty? Think about how many trees could be saved if people discontinued their unwanted catalogs alone. Each year, I receive more and more (most likely because my online shopping increases every year and they always add you to their catalog list).
This holiday season has been crazy. Since Halloween, I have probably received at least three or four a day, and although it can make it easier to shop your Christmas list, with a little effort, everyone could get online and look at the websites instead of receiving catalogs.
Catalog Choice is a free service that lets you communicate your catalog preferences to companies. You can choose which catalogs you want to keep and go paperless. It is very simple, you just log on, create an account and go through an alphabetical list of catalogs and check those you wish to remove. There is another site, GreenDimes, which offers the same catalog service but with the added bonus of junk mail!
I encourage everyone to check out these websites and see how easily you can do your part to contribute to our environment. I plan to update my profile and reduce even more from my list year.
Don’t forget to register for our Smarty Giveaways:
– Living Simply: 5 hours of organizational service with 2 consultants valued at $550! Giveaway closes at 11pm on Wednesday, 11/12. Click here to enter!
– Fabkins: 1 set of fabulous cloth napkins valued at $25. Giveaway closes at 11pm on Sunday, 11/16. Click here to enter!.
5 comments
I just signed up. Thanks for the recommendation!
I signed up a while ago (saw it in some magazine( and it has cut down on the junk mail considerably. I need to update some of the newer lists I’ve managed to get on, so glad for the reminder!
I just finished banishing catalogs and junk mail using the sites that you suggested. I feel strangely unburdened now! I won’t get any of the dreaded junk mail that I just toss in the recycling bin anyway. Thanks for the happy info.
I signed up Greendimes about 2 years ago after seeing it on Oprah. Some days, I do not even get mail (which is a little depressing in a way)! It is amazing how much it cuts down. BUT be patient! It took at least 6 months for all the junk and catalogs to stop and you have to be diligent about updating the catalogs you want removed.
Thank you – this is fabulous! I have been feeling so sorry for my mailman who carries such a heavy load at this time of year – and mine go straight to recycle!