Wednesday 19 September 2007

Stop Junk Mail

 

We all receive lots of junk mail these days and it is very easy to reduce this waste with minimum effort and at no cost by following these simple rules.

  • Have your name (or previous addresses, previous occupants or someone who has died) removed from mailing lists by registering with the Mailing Preference Society, Freepost 22, London W1E 7EZ. Tel 0207 766 4410. Fax 0207 976 1886. The easiest way is to register online at www.mpsonline.org.uk

  • Return junk mail unopened (write please remove from mailing list on the envelope and post back. (You do not need to use a stamp) or use the freepost envelopes inside the mailings with the request to remove you from the mailing list. Enclose original documents to enable the organisation to trace your details.

  • Don't forget to return items as gone away or deceased when you receive mail for previous occupants or if the recipient has died or you will continue to receive mail.

  • When you apply for, or buy any service such as a bank account, if you do not want to receive mailings from the organisation, make sure you tick the mailing opt out box normally located on the bottom of the form. Or if you have ordered items on the internet make sure you opt out of paper mailings.

  • Reduce leaflets delivered by the Royal Mail by opting out. Use the Junk Buster. However, if you opt out you will not receive government or local authority items distributed by the Royal Mail either. In this area you will not receive Essex Matters - the magazine of Essex County Council.

  • To stop mailings from any company with whom you have - or have had - a customer relationship such as your bank, credit card company, insurance company, phone supplier, for example, you will need to request them not to send you anymore marketing mailings. Do this either by returning their mailings marked "No more marketing mailings please" or by emailing them.

  • Try putting a 'no unrequested mail' sign on your letterbox.

  • Check out the website www.itsmypost.com

For a comprehensive guide on how to stop even more Junk Mail and directories such as Yellow Pages the BT Directory or Thomson Local check out www.stopjunkmail.com

You can also opt out of unsolicited fax messages at http://www.fpsonline.org.uk and telephone calls at http://www.tpsonline.org.uk