Classroom Publication

courtesy of Staples

Those who are willing to find places where they could make the Earth a better place can look no further than Staples. The business giant is offering the public a way to recycle and become environmentally aware. For Staples this is known as the Staples Soul.

The Staples Soul is an innovative program that Staples has been offering since 1986 when they began selling recycled paper.  CEO Ron Sargent first coined the phrase Staples Soul in 2002 when Staples introduced its Environmentally Paper Procurement Policy. This policy implements procedures that improve the environmental attributes of paper products that Staples offers. By implementing this policy, Staples is committed to what it calls "phasing out paper products sourced by endangered forests." This is done by reducing the demand for virgin wood fiber, protecting forests of high conservation value and promoting well-managed forests. However, the Staples Soul is composed of more than just selling recycled paper.

The Staples Soul is composed of four sections, each with different responsibilities in its “green” campaign:

1) Environmentally Preferable Products: Staples offers more than 3,000 active eco-preferable products, including Staples brand remanufactured ink and toner cartridges, paper products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, furniture with post-consumer recycled content steel, binders and other types of organizers that contain post-consumer recycled content plastic, and non-toxic and bio-based cleaning products.

2) Recycling: Staples makes it easy for customers to recycle e-waste by bringing in used electronics such as computers, monitors, laptops, and desktop printers.  Customers pay a recycling fee of $10 per piece of equipment. Staples also recycles nearly 24 million ink and toner cartridges for which they offer $3 in Staples rewards toward a future purchase. They also offer free recycling service program for cellular phones, PDAs, pagers, digital cameras, and chargers through their non-profit partner Collective Good.

3) Energy and Climate: Staples actively works to conserve energy and encourage the expansion of renewable energy certificates which include wind, biomass, and landfill gas and work closely with the World Resource Institute (WRI) and solar developer SunEdison to develop renewable energy and develop enough clean electricity to power homes. By being a part of the U.S. EPA Climate Leaders membership, the Climate Northeast Partnership, and Carbon Disclosure Project, Staples is committed to reduce U.S. carbon emissions.

4) Environmental Education: The company’s goal is to make it easy for customers to make a difference through their interactions with Staples and strive to increase environmental awareness. By working with Earth Force Inc., Staples has committed itself to being a leader and "pioneer" in environmental education.

The Staples Foundation for Learning recently renewed its partnership with Earth Force Inc. through a $200,000 grant. In early July, both companies claimed it marked the fifth year that they worked together to teach students the problem solving skills needed to address environmental issues within their communities. Staples has helped bring this program to 17 states and has impacted many new students. With the grant that Staples has given Earth Force Inc., the program will expand to new communities that include Detroit, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Louisville, and Minneapolis.

"These types of things that our company does show the customers that hey we care too," said Michael Black, Staples public relations representative. "Our customers are just people, and they share the same values about the environment that we do."

Founded in 2002, the Staples Foundation for Learning, has a mission to try to teach, train, and inspire. It has contributed more than $12.5 million to several national and local charities which provide educational opportunities and job skills.

About Earth Force Inc.

Earth Force implements lasting solutions to environmental issues in their community. It provides around 20,000 young people with the skills and knowledge to create change within their communities and develop social responsibilities.

Article Tools