How to control junk mail

The never-ending battle against junk mail! Here are some effective ways to control the amount of junk mail you receive:

  1. Register with the Direct Marketing Association (DMA): The DMA is a trade association that represents the direct marketing industry. You can register with them to opt-out of receiving mailings from their member companies. Visit their website at www.dmaconsumers.org and follow the instructions.
  2. Use the National Do Not Mail List: The National Do Not Mail List is a free service that allows you to opt-out of receiving mailings from companies that are members of the Direct Marketing Association. You can register at www.donotmail.org.
  3. Contact individual companies: If you receive mailings from specific companies that you don't want to receive, contact them directly and ask to be removed from their mailing list. You can usually find contact information on the company's website or on the mailing itself.
  4. Use a mail-blocking service: Services like 41pounds.org (in the UK) or Catalog Choice (in the US) allow you to opt-out of receiving mailings from specific companies or categories of companies.
  5. Use a postal service filter: Many postal services offer filters that can help reduce the amount of junk mail you receive. For example, the US Postal Service offers a "Junk Mail Filter" that allows you to opt-out of receiving certain types of mail.
  6. Use a paperless billing service: Many companies offer paperless billing options, which can help reduce the amount of junk mail you receive.
  7. Recycle or shred unwanted mail: If you do receive junk mail, make sure to recycle or shred it to prevent it from contributing to the growing problem of paper waste.
  8. Use a mail-blocking app: Apps like MailBlocker (for iOS) or NoMoreJunkMail (for Android) can help block junk mail from reaching your mailbox.
  9. Contact your local post office: Your local post office may have a system in place for reporting junk mail and requesting that it be stopped.
  10. Consider a junk mail filter: Some companies offer junk mail filters that can be installed on your home computer or mobile device. These filters can help block junk mail from reaching your inbox.

Remember, it may take some time and effort to completely eliminate junk mail, but by using these methods, you can significantly reduce the amount of unwanted mail you receive.