41pounds.org - Keeping trees on the job.

If you've done any catalog shopping - as we have - your family and mine are probably experiencing a similar phenomenon: Junk Mail Overload. Not just the occasional (well, weekly) unwanted newsprint circulars & coupon carriers, but the reams and reams of handsomely designed and fastidiously printed (in 4 colors on coated, glossy stock) TOTALLY UNINVITED AND UNWANTED saddle-stitched sales catalogs touting everything from kids clothes, to the latest gizmos and gadgets; from hiking and fitness gear, to fishing equipment and sporting goods; from kitchen cookery and memorabilia to real estate, etc., etc., ad nauseam.

Oh, and did I mention we'd never asked for them?

It got to the point in my house that dragging this useless junk mail in from the box each day became so infuriating my wife and I tried desperately to figure out a) how this happened and more importantly, b) how to make it stop.

Enter 41pounds.org: a website that provides USPS customers of all stripes and persuasions with data about the global impact of this paper-powered tsunami and how first to make it stop and second to begin to reverse the tide. For example, here's 41pounds.org at its philanthropic best. And here are the useful and informative FAQs from the site.

If you're frustrated beyond your ability to deal rationally with this overwhelming waste of trees and natural resources, by all means check out 41pounds.org. We, just today, received our packet in the mail. We'll be filling out the "Keeping trees on the job" cards tonight. There's a small cost for the service ($41 for five years - $8.20 per year) but what a bargain! And their service is guaranteed or your money back. As far as how long it takes for the service to go into full effect:

How long does it take for the junk mail to stop?

You will see a noticeable improvement within two months. After four months, your junk mail should be eliminated by 80 to 95%. Please keep in mind that many catalog companies print their mailing labels months in advance, so it may take a while for these to stop coming.

I'll let you know how we fare. Any other ideas?