Green Initiatives at Staples Advantage

April 22, 2010

Having a positive impact on the environment is more important now, than ever before. Over the past two years, the environment has become increasingly important to Staples Advantage is now a key business priority and objective. We have introduced and implemented several programs and initiatives to aide us in, not only taking responsibility, but also ensuring we’re doing what we can to improve our environmental footprint. Our initiatives include: the use of oxo-degradable delivery bags, the Fifty Green program and the Green Pledge.

Late last year, Staples Advantage became the first office product delivery company to use degradable delivery bags. These bags Oxo-degradable poly bags contain a variety of additive particles designed to accelerate the break-down time of waste material. Currently, estimates suggest a standard, non-degradable plastic bag could take hundreds of years to disintegrate. In comparison, oxo-degradable poly bags could disintegrate in as little as six weeks. This is possible through a process called thermo-oxidation which uses heat, sunlight and oxygen to accelerate the disintegration process. This process is delayed with a time release feature which allows plenty of time for usage by the customer before the degradation process begins. The bags complement our other green initiatives, Fifty Green and Green Pledge.

Fifty Green is a small order management program that helps to minimize the packaging of an order, as well as the emissions from our delivery trucks. Customers participating in Fifty Green are required to ensure orders are more than $50. If, however, the order is under that amount, a $5 order charge is applied. Half of the proceeds from order charge are donated to Tree Canada – a not-for-profit organization that plants trees in Canada’s communities.

In early 2010. Staples Advantage introduced their Green Pledge program that aims to get customers to be environmentally conscious in their product ordering habits and participate in recycling programs. The Green Pledge asks our customers to ‘pledge’ to ensure their orders are $50 or more, have at least 15% of their annual orders be comprised of EcoEasy™ products and recycle their empty ink and toner cartridges. The Green Pledge is a companion program to the Staples Advantage Fifty Green programs.

At Staples Advantage, we encourage our customers to understand the importance of our environment and provide various ways for them to help them have a positive impact. When we all work together, the environment and future generations benefit greatly.