The catalogs are coming! The catalogs are coming!
Each year at about this time, catalogs begin arriving in our mailbox in greater-than-usual numbers. Christmas and Hanukkah soon will be here, and retailers are doing all they can to compete for our gift budget.
REI's catalog says it's "the best place for holiday gifts." L.L. Bean's catalog features "colorful holiday gifts -- all under $30." Others offer "over 275 intriguing gifts" and "over 50 items specially priced for the holidays."
The companies mailing the catalogs don't find me a very responsive customer. I almost always shop from a person's wish list, and I almost always put catalogs straight into the recycling bin. Recycling catalogs is good, but reducing waste by opting out of mailings is even better.
According to Catalog Choice, 19 billion catalogs are mailed to American consumers each year. They say the annual environmental impact is 53 million trees, enough energy to power 1.2 million homes, and carbon dioxide emissions equal to 2 million cars.
This year, as catalogs arrive, I'm opting out.
Here's how to join me:
Make phonecalls -- Many catalogs have fine print about catalog mailing preferences. Call those 800 numbers and ask not to receive future mailings. If you don't see opt-out information, call customer service and make the request.
Go online -- Companies often provide opt-out options on their catalog websites.
Sign up for Catalog Choice -- Catalog Choice is a free online service that helps people reduce waste and paper clutter. You select the company, and they deliver the opt-out request and keep track of the company's confirmation. You can opt out of catalogs, coupons, phonebooks, and other mail solicitations.
Because catalogs are printed in advance, you may receive another one or two before your opt-out takes effect. To keep track of those you've already contacted, make yourself a note or tear the cover off the catalog and keep it in a file.
