Environment
Eco-Advocates Earth Day Inspires Office Supply Retailer
By
Jun 22, 2008, 09:12

(NC)-Who says big business in Canada can't take significant steps to create a greener world?

"As good corporate citizens, Earth Day presented a great opportunity for us to promote environmental awareness," said Steve Matyas, president of Staples Business Depot.

"Our company is active and committed to environmental sustainability and Earth Day is a chance to show what we do on a daily basis to help preserve the environment."

Matyas said that in March, for example, Staples was a proud participant WWF's worldwide Earth Hour 2008.

"For just one hour, a large majority of our store locations, as well as the Canadian home office, turned off their non-essential internal lighting and exterior signage where possible in support of climate change."

Earth Hour was not the first time the retailer turned off its lights in support of environmental preservation. In 2007, the company conducted an exterior lighting retrofit under its new Energy Management System.

Completed at 50 locations, the overhaul reduced the number of light fixtures everywhere and replaced them with an energy-efficient alternative.

"And, last summer our Lights Out Program significantly saved energy by reducing the heat load making it easier for the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to keep buildings cool," Matyas said.

"Overall the program reduced energy in stores by 300 kilowatts per day for 76 days, which means 22,800 kW per store. At 148 stores, that added up to a savings of 3,374,400 kW for the duration of the campaign." This summer, the retailer is expanding the program to more store locations.

Recycle Depot

In addition to conserving energy, and stocking far more environmentally friendly business products, it's also worth noting that Staples also advocates an easy recycling solution for used products.

Customers, throughout the year, can drop off old cell phones, rechargeable batteries, plus ink and toner cartridges at any store location across the country.

"In fact, for the past three years through the Recycle for Education program, Staples has been donating to Canadian schools nationwide, one dollar for every ink and toner cartridge collected.

Local schools can obtain more information and register with the program by logging on to www.recyclefored.ca.

© Copyright by EveningsNews.com