Block Junk Mail

[Jokerswild]

Several states are trying to pass a do not mail list for junk snail mail and the postal service is fighting it because it will cost postal jobs. The USPS relies on junk mail like credit card fliers and other crap for income but the states landfill is where most of it ends up at a cost to the states. So far no state has passed this because of efforts by the USPS even though they are not allowed to lobby they work with business groups to defeat this from passing.

Personally I think the USPS needs to shrink. Before computers it was the only way to pay bills and send written messages but times have changed and the USPS needs to adapt not be a bureaucracy that impedes progress.

washingtonpost.com

[Dread]

I think a better solution is to enact a law that all 'junk' mail be pre-paid by sender for returns. This way, the recipient can place a little check in a box, put it back in the mailbox and it'll be sent back to them on their dime, where they can dispose of it.

Or, save up several of them every few weeks (we don't really get that much),
randomly stuff all the contents into the other envelopes and mail them off.

[Jokerswild]

I don't see a need for any of it. if I want a credit card or coupons or any other of the crap they send I'll look into it myself, I don't need their help. Save a few trees on my behalf.

[screwballl]

agreed, allow people to join a "no junk mail" list. I end up burning most of mine in the fireplace after shredding them, especially the credit card offers. Otherwise we could have a "hold box" where they send us a card with the name of where it is coming from, check the boxes we want to allow, put it back in our box and the mailman delivers them. Otherwise after 3 days they send them back return to sender.
I hope this passes in most states.

[Carl Martin]

I have a little routine I go through every time I get those credit card offers. I mark all the forms "void", then stuff them into the postage-paid return envelope along with every other piece of scrap paper or cardboard I can jam into it. Let them pay the postage on that!

(Wonder what would happen if I were to tape their envelope to a large manila envelope and send them an old book or an oak board? Hmmmm....)

Carl

[polobunny]

Originally Posted by Carl Martin

I have a little routine I go through every time I get those credit card offers. I mark all the forms "void", then stuff them into the postage-paid return envelope along with every other piece of scrap paper or cardboard I can jam into it. Let them pay the postage on that!

(Wonder what would happen if I were to tape their envelope to a large manila envelope and send them an old book or an oak board? Hmmmm....)

Carl

What about putting pennies in the envelope to weight it down? :P

[Jokerswild]

Originally Posted by polobunny

What about putting pennies in the envelope to weight it down? :P

Baby powder FTW.