The Curious Autodidact

Hiker on the Hoh Rain Forest Trail in Washington State

If, like me, you detest getting extra phone books delivered to the house, only to go into the recycle bin, without fanfare, here’s a great tip I wanted to share —here’s hoping fewer trees will fall as a result. Pass it on, your friends will be pleased you uncovered this little secret.

Stop getting unwanted phone directories delivered to your door:

• Dex: Choose “Select Your Dex” at the bottom of the page. Enter your ZIP code, then click through screens until you see “Personalize Your Directory Order.” Under “Available directories in your area,” choose 0 from the pull-down menus. Or call 1(800) 422-8793 and press 2 to speak with a person.

* • Yellow Book: Call 1(800) 929-3556 and press 3 to speak with a person.

* • Idearc (formerly Verizon): Call 1(800) 888-8448 and remain on the line to speak to a person.