Here at Staples, we practice a philosophy that reflects our commitment to corporate social responsibility — including environmental responsibility. It’s called Staples Soul(sm).
Staples is focused on positive changes that truly make a difference for the planet. Innovative environmental products and services and implementing energy conservation, waste reduction and green building initiatives are just a handful of examples of how we’re being green every day. Staples focuses its environmental programs on three major areas: products, recycling services and internal operations.
Environmentally Responsible Products
We offer a wide range of eco-conscious alternatives, including recycled products, paper from certified responsibly managed forests, refillable writing instruments, ENERGY STAR® qualified office technology, natural cleaning products and nontoxic writing and educational supplies. Some product-related initiatives we’re working on include:
- Integrating environmental considerations into the development of new Staples® brand products, including our Sustainable Earth by Staples™ brand of products that meet strict standards for environmental excellence.
- Working to measure and improve the sustainability of our paper product offerings. Take a look at our new Paper Procurement Policy <link to new Policy>, which outlines our commitments, including making sure that the majority of our paper products are FSC certified, as well as increasing our use of recycled and alternative fibers.
- In September 2009, Staples enrolled in the Rainforest Alliance’s SmartSource program. This has helped us build a responsible sourcing program that gradually and steadily moves suppliers toward more sustainable paper procurement practices.
Recycling Services
As one of the world’s leading ink recyclers, Staples was one of the first national retailers to offer an in-store technology recycling program.
- Staples recycled more than 50 million ink and toner cartridges in 2009
- In 2009, Staples collected more than 7.8 million pounds of technology waste for responsible recycling through our retail technology recycling program
- Staples has recycled more than 100,000 cell phones and PDAs since 2005 through our partnership with Collective Good, which recycles and refurbishes small electronics
