Waging a Waste-filled War on Junk Mail

Dear Chase Bank,

I don't need two preapproval offers for your credit cards sent to my maiden name, two to my married name and two in my husband's name. Especially on the same day. A tree just cried.

Love,

Me

Paper waste is an ongoing battle at my house, mainly in the form of junk mail. I cannot count the days I walk to the mailbox, take everything out, then immediately dump it in the recycling bin. Chase Bank is by far the worst offender, followed by miscellaneous refinance companies and insurance providers.

I'm sure junk mail is keeping the post office afloat, but I'm trying to live a more sustainable life here, not have to pitch 10 pieces of junk mail a day. And while I recycle my junk mail, recycling paper uses a lot of water—it's much better for that paper to never make its way to my house.

So how to get rid of all of those pre-approval offers weighing down my mailbox? The Federal Trade Commission makes it easy—sort of. They have a page, Where to Go to Just Say No, that tells you how to opt out of preapproval offers.

I chose to opt-out online for five years so I could experience instant(ish) gratification. The website warns that you may still receive firm offers of credit from people who already have your name for the next several months. Here's hoping though that my mailbox gets a reprieve.

Chase Bank, I'm looking at you.