By Kreg Weiss, B HKin • April 20th, 2008

Unopened mail creates a lot of waste. In fact, a recent Canadian Marketing Study quoted in the Flyer Distribution Standards Association newsletter suggests that  67% of Canadians are not interested in the flyers and advertising that comes in the mail, and 25% of Canadians discard them without reading

In the US, the problem is even worse. The Forest Ethics website (www.forestethics.com) reports that junk mail distributed in the US accounts for 30% of the mail delivered in the WORLD, and that 44% of it goes into landfills unopened.  Some of the paper used in producing these ads comes from the Canadian boreal forest, which is being logged at a rate of 2 acres per minute, 24 hours a day to produce junk mail and other paper products. The Canadian boreal forest is a part of the greater boreal forest, which alone stores more carbon than any other terrestrial ecosystem on earth. As such, the boreal forest plays a role in the fight against climate change.

Beth Ringdahl, or Vancouver B.C., has launched the “Red Dot” campaign to reduce the amount of junk mail delivered in Canada. It is easy to participate in the campaign. All you have to do is follow these steps:
1. Tape a No Junk Mail Sign on or in your mail box or mail slot.
2. Download and sign this letter and ask your mail carrier to deliver it to Canada Post in Canada or the appropriate organization in your area. For more information about Consumers Choice, contact Canada Post or call 1-866-607-6301.
3. Sign up with the Canadian Marketing Association's Do Not Contact Registry. This enables you to reduce the number of marketing offers received by mail, telephone and fax. Or look for a comparable resource in your area.
4. Sign up for the campaign’s newsletter to stay connected with the Red Dot Campaign.

Over time, your choice to opt out of receiving junk mail will make a positive impact by reducing print quantities. And every little bit helps.

Kreg Weiss is a co-founder of My Yoga Online and certified Hatha Yoga Teacher. Several years ago, Kreg discovered yoga while teaching health and fitness. Yoga dramatically transformed Kreg's approach to teaching health and wellness as well as changed his personal life bringing new direction in finding physical, mental, and spiritual growth.

Location:  Montreal, CA

Kreg is a co-founder of My Yoga Online and certified Hatha Yoga Teacher. Several years ago, Kreg discovered yoga while teaching health and fitness. Yoga dramatically transformed Kreg's approach to teaching health and...