Comments on: Shred Everything

By: Lissa

Lissa — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:33:58 +0000

@Michelle Just a note about not using a cross-cut shredder, it makes it way easier for potential identity thieves to tape the information back together. It happened to a friend of mine. Petition your city/state recycling handler to handle this recycling component as well. It will take a while, but you might start a new movement in your area.

By: Connie

Connie — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:03:31 +0000

It is really important to pay attention to the documents you throw away. Even if you think that a particular document couldn't be used to steal your identity or to obtain information about you, it should be shredded if it has any form of slightly personal information on it. I recently came across a good article about document security. It has a long list of documents that you should shred. document security

By: Nancy

Nancy — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 15:16:18 +0000

Manual way: Large brown ‘Food Waste Bag” I keep right beside my desk. Most things just need a rip or two; others lots of rips into tiny bits. When bag is full, it’s dumped and contents scattered in apartment building’s huge recycling container. I don’t deal with much sensitive or confidential material of course of type requiring actual shredding. These bags about 22″ high, packs of 5 at home hardware and many other places, meant for composting. (I keep another in kitchen for all the packaging that comes with food.)
Nancy

By: Mark Shead

Mark Shead — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 03:25:33 +0000

@Michele – That is interesting. I hadn’t heard that well shredded paper couldn’t be recycled. I’m curious how large shredding companies handle that because I think many of them recycle.

By: Michele

Michele — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 16:51:02 +0000

Ok- but just one thing that I learned about the shredding. It’s environmental. If you have shredder that cross cuts, it can’t be recycled. In my city (Seattle) they said the cross cut paper can only be used for yard waste. The shredder that makes the long strings is ok and, for some reason, the strips are ok to put through the recycling process. Since I found this out, I only shred the paper with private info and put the rest to recycle in it’s original form.

By: Mark Shead

Mark Shead — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 02:07:29 +0000

@Mel - I saw the list awhile back. I haven't come up with an idea to contribute to it in a way that would add any value for my readers. If you are looking for other productivity oriented sites, please checkout the interview series I did awhile back.

By: Mel

Mel — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 22:36:06 +0000

On topic………….
I also have a shredder, and it does feel great to shred. However, it is my wife who has to remind me. Unfortunately, I have a habit of letting the “junk” pile pile up.

Off topic…….
I believe that by just being a part of “Priscilla Palmer’s Personal Development list” suggests that each of us post this list. You like me (Killeris at “Attitude, the Ultimate Power”) are on this list. If you have already posted it, THANK YOU. If you have not posted it, I am officially putting out a challenge that you add additional sites that fit the theme and post the entire list. This is my opinion only. If you disagree I respectfully understand. If you do agree with me this list can be found at: http://mondaymorningpower.blogspot.com/2007/09/personal-development-list-challenge.html

By: Tony

Tony — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 21:12:08 +0000

Something else to consider in regards to identify theft is the people search databases that are free to access on the internet. A friend of mine has just started a web service called UnlistAssist.com that takes you off all 40 of those lists.

I didn’t think it was a big deal, until he was able to tell me all the places I had ever lived, all of my family members, their ages, and even a consumer buying profile, yikes!

Anyways, this reduces your junk mail a bunch and realy helps increase your personal privacy. Check it out! (oh, and I am on my way to get the shredder!)

By: Paula

Paula — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 16:26:42 +0000

Also, you should shred receipts from any place you have a rewards or savings card (Such as Best Buy, Smith’s Grocery, Blockbuster, etc.)
That number points to you and your buying habits, and the number is printed on the bottom of your receipt!

By: Justin Davey

Justin Davey — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 12:58:47 +0000

Not only is this a great tool for preventing identity theft, it’s also a great tool for productivity in general. By removing all of the excess paper from your workspace there is less clutter that can be very distracting to the eye. It also minimizes the amount of space paper takes up in the recycling box which can be a problem if you recycle a lot of paper!