Honestly, I don't get that many calls from telemarketers. Nonetheless, I understand why people love the Do Not Call List. It is only right that we should be able to avoid unwanted intrusions into our private lives.
For me, junk mail is worse than telemarketers. Not only does it eat up my time by forcing me to skeptically open the letters labeled 'Important Legal Documents!', but it also creates mountains of waste every single day.
I think that's wrong, and if you agree with me, then sign the do not mail list petition that demands a way to prevent snail-mail spammers from getting to you.
(Rec this up so we can really get this petition rolling)
A group called ForestEthics is encouraging this movement. From the ForestEthics press release:
ForestEthics is urging Americans to sign a petition at www.DoNotMail.org demanding a national registry that will finally offer citizens control over the unsolicited coupons, credit cards, catalogs and advertisements that fill their mailboxes on a daily basis.
The production of the 100 billion pieces of junk mail that Americans annually receive requires more than 100 million trees, while producing as much global warming emissions as 3.7 million cars.
This comes from The Consumerist, where the author echoes a sentiment that has crossed my mind as well,
The downside—we think a Do Not Mail registry would land a devastating blow against the USPS, which relies on all that crap to make any money. But seriously, we'd pay to support the USPS if it meant cutting junk mail in half.
Personally, I'm willing to pay a little more if it means we can make less waste. To me this is as sensible as energy efficient light bulbs. Yes, you'll pay more up front, but in the long run it will be worth it.