According to Sightline Institute, the average American receives an average of 41 pounds of junk mail every year.  Adding a simple QR code next to every bulk mail permit would allow people to at least have a choice to opt out of mailing lists.  We have that right with email.  Why do we not have the same right with physical mail? 

I am proposing that we request a federal law that requires unsubscribe QR codes to be printed with all bulk mail permits.  The only exception would be bulk mail sent that as a result of notification required by law.  Even then, I think should have a QR code that gives the user an option to get future mailings via electronic formats.  No loop holes for churches, political parties or non-profits.  This law should apply to all bulk mail permits.  If the QR code is missing, it should be automatically marked as 'Return to Sender'

Here are 3 quick examples that would apply to the majority of junk mail sent today.

I live in Kansas with a population of 2,913,000.  41 pounds per person turns into:

• 23,886,600 reams of paper
• 1,433,167 trees
• 3,231,188 cubic feet of trash

That is the equivalent of a football field that is over 5 stories high of solid paper EVERY YEAR!

With a little database work, the post office would be able to build a 'do not mail' list that is attached to each bulk permit license that is issued.  Using the barcoded information in virtually all bulk mail address labels, their computers  could detect an address that has requested to be unsubscribed and is still being mailed to.  They could easily fine any company not following the unsubscribe requests and be another source of revenue for the post office. 

The QR codes should be linked to parent companies as well.  When the end user scans the QR code it would take them to a USPO website where they could chose to unsubscribe from that specific mailing list or unsubscribe from all mailings from that company.  This would prevent companies from just buying a new mailing permit to bypass unsubscribe requests.

If they want to get fancy, add an option for the end user to select to get electronic versions instead of paper versions.  There are catalogs for example that I don't mind getting, but I don't need a new one every month!