Each year, Americans receive almost 4 million tons of junk mail claiming over 100 million trees. Stopping unwanted junk mail is one of the most important things that you can do for the environment according to the book 50 Simple Things You Can Do To Save The Earth.

Junk mail is best stopped at the source. Many credit card companies and other organizations sell your name to catalog firms and other junk mailers. Call your credit card companies and ask them to refrain from such activity.

When you donate money, order a product or send in a warranty registration card, write the words, PLEASE DO NOT SELL MY NAME OR ADDRESS in large letters.

Try selecting a different middle initial for each charity or business that you deal with so that you can track who is selling your information.

Unsubscribe to unwanted catalogs by calling the company's 800 number and giving them the information on your postage label. Alternately, fax or mail the label to the company marked, "remove from mailing list".