A surprising amount of paper flows into the average home and goes straight to the recycling bin or the trash, often without being read. Junk mail, catalogs, statements, and receipts pile up, waste trees and water to produce, and create clutter you have to manage. Cutting the inflow saves you time and keeps a steady stream of paper out of the waste stream.
Stop the Junk Mail at the Source
Most unwanted mail can be turned off, you just have to ask. It takes a little effort up front and then the flood slows for good.
- Opt out of prescreened credit and insurance offers, which is a free option that handles a big chunk of junk.
- Use mail preference services to remove your name from marketing lists.
- Call catalog companies directly to be taken off their mailing lists.
Go Paperless Where It Makes Sense
Banks, utilities, and other billers almost all offer electronic statements now. Switching to paperless billing stops a monthly envelope and keeps your records searchable. Just be sure to set up the email reminders so you do not miss a due date.
Handle the Paper That Still Comes
Some paper is unavoidable, so deal with it once rather than letting it pile up. Sort mail over the recycling bin the day it arrives, recycling junk immediately and acting on the rest. Decline paper receipts when a digital one is offered. Keep only the documents you truly need.
Reuse Before Recycling
Paper that has a blank side makes fine scratch paper for notes and lists. Once both sides are used, then it goes in the recycling. Shred anything with personal information before recycling it.
A few opt-outs and a switch to paperless billing can cut your incoming paper dramatically. The result is a tidier home, less time sorting mail, and fewer trees turned into things you never wanted in the first place.