Both parties have launched a website, www.controlyourpost.co.uk, urging people to log on if they are receiving unwanted mail addressed to a previous occupant or distressing mailings.

The site enables people to register with the Mailing Preference Service (MPS) which helps prevent mailings being send to homes. According to the DMA, around 1.5m people are signed up to the MPS.

The DMA and Planet Ark first linked up for the environmental campaign at the end of last year. DMA director of industry development and postal affairs David Robottom said: "The consumer drive is part of the second phase of activity and part of that will include a push towards the DM industry. We linked up with Planet Ark because they have a proven record on environmental issues."

Last month the DMA announced that the National Suppression File Consortium and Experian Intact would sponsor the environmental push.

UK online data cleansing company Experian Intact compiled a survey that found that 17% have received mailings for a deceased family member and one in five people receive mail addressed to a previous occupant.

Story Philip Chadwick