I hate junk mail, but I open it all. I salvage return address labels, and business reply envelopes.

Some people attempt to be removed from lists by mailing the letter back with a request for removal from the list—but be cautious, as this often works the other way around.

What I do instead is compost the solicitation (if it’s not printed on glossy paper) and salvage the envelope by putting a label over the return address section and applying my own postage.

Please note that if you do this, you need to cover the pre-printed barcode at the bottom of the envelope, or your mail will be mis-directed. I use white correction tape for this job.

Also, I save the opened carrier envelope, and use that for grocery list or office supply store lists. I put my coupons inside and keep the envelope on the fridge. It’s also great for keeping track of errands (dry cleaning receipts, etc).

If you’re really a stickler and you don’t want to label over an address to re-use them—I read in “The Complete Tightwad Gazette” that you can microwave your envelopes for 20 seconds and the glue will release—then turn them inside out and re-seal. (Personally, I think it’s more efficient to buy discount envelopes than go to this effort).

This post is part of a series I’ve entitled “Frugal August” and is inspired by (though not copied from) the book The Complete Tightwad Gazetteby Amy Dacyczyn. My tips are meant to build on hers, but generally are not duplications.

IMAGE CREDIT: Freedigitalphotos.net