Residents' New Year resolution

To mark the new year, Banbridge District Council is encouraging local residents to take action to reduce the amount of junk mail they receive.

“The average household in the district places around 42kg of unwanted junk mail in their bin every year – making it a significant source of household waste,” commented Council Environmental Education Officer, Tracy Fitzpatrick.

“Junk mail is a global scourge that depletes the earth’s limited natural resources. Some 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water and 390 gallons of oil are used to produce a tonne of junk mail. Many people don’t realise that they can take a few simple steps to reduce the increasing amount of junk mail coming through their letterbox.”

Residents can reduce the amount of junk mail they receive by registering with the Mail Preference Service on 0845 7034599 or by visiting www.mpsonline.org.uk. This free service will significantly reduce the amount of unwanted junk mail being sent to homes as it removes postal address details from up to 95 per cent of direct mail lists in the UK.

Residents can also opt out of the Royal Mail’s door to door service, which many companies use to promote their products and services. To opt out of receiving door to door mailings, residents can send an email to [email protected] or alternatively they can do this by writing to Freepost RRBT-ZBXB-TTTS, Royal Mail Door to Door Opt Outs, Kingsmead House, Oxpens Road, Oxford OX1 1RX.

More and more companies such as banks, telecommunication and utility providers are encouraging their customers to switch to paper-free bills or electronic statements, which are sent to an email address. Some companies such as BT now charge customers wanting to receive their bill in the post as opposed to view it online for free.