The average US household receives over 800 pieces of junk mail, with 44% thrown away unopened and only 22% recycled. It's a daily aggravation for every American citizen, who currently has the option of joining Do Not Mail lists that direct mailers are not required to enforce. Producing and delivering junk mail destroys trees and creates greenhouse gasses with wasteful, untargeted communication.
It's time for a national opt-out solution for physical mail: one that matches the straightforward convenience of the Unsubscribe link in email advertising. Direct mail senders should be required to print a standardized opt-out link or scannable code on each mailed item, that unsubscribes one mailing address for a period of five years, within 5 business days. Help direct mail enter the 21st century.