As a designer I subscribe to the “less is more” philosophy of style — in design and in life. While I am a fan of Design Within Reach’s selection of modernist classics, let’s face it: their catalogs showcase a lot of product reruns. And just how did I get put on Frederick’s of Hollywood’s “it” list? If you feel as over-solicited as I am here are two tips that will help cut down pointless paper and save trees in the process.
1. Kiss goodbye to catalogs. Thanks to CatalogChoice, I’ve canceled my undesirables in minutes. Here’s how: jot down your customer id from one catalog label (it’s your personal marketing thumb print), register online at catalogchoice.org and it’s adios catalogos.
The upsides:
* Less visual clutter and trips to the recycling bin means less stress and the recovery of precious ME time.
* Perusal of online instead of print catalogs actually gives you better access to clearance sales and online exclusives.
* You can say you’re helping to reduce the 19 billion catalogs mailed to Americans each year (check out the staggering stats on resources consumed here). So far, CC members have spared the production of almost five million catalogs. Bravo.
2. Junk the junk mail. The other unsolicited flyers and such can be erased by putting yourself on a “DO-NOT-MAIL” list. You can register here.
