There is a lot of wasted paper in my recycling bin. All from candidates who want me to vote for them. I have made up my mind who I want to vote for but the flyers and pamphlets have been coming so often that I have joked to people that I was considering voting for the candidates who sent me the least amount of junk mail. That may seem harsh, but in the same way, think about stores that send a seemingly endless stream of notices of any sort to you about sales and other things. After a while it begins to turn you off.

Voting is an important part of the democratic process, but must paper and ink be wasted to try to persuade me to vote? Not only that but recorded calls urging me to vote are not making me any more likely to want to vote for a particular candidate. The same thing applies to certain foods – things that you already buy or need to buy really won’t make a big difference in your choices. You may need vinegar for a recipe or use it to clean but how often is plain white vinegar advertised?

 
Some of the best coupons used to come by mail, especially for local businesses, now they come via email and text message.

Sometimes you don’t feel like being bothered by wading through dozens of advertising emails though the payoff can definitely be worth it. Instead of having to search for coupons for items you purchase often and stores that you frequent, sign up for the email list when asked in stores. Some places send too many coupons but for places that you like to shop receiving frequent emails or even text messages about specials or e-coupons isn’t a bad thing.

Instead of having to read through lot of emails, even if you don’t want to read them, I just sort them alphabetically. Generally, the subject tells you whether or not there is a coupon or just an advertisement for a sale. Not interested in shopping at a particular store this week? Then just delete the message.

Also, when you sign up to receive coupons via email, then there are fewer coupons that you will receive via mail and this cuts down on junk mail and clutter at home.