Staples Canada Reports on Waste Diversion Programs

Staples Canada has been passionate about making a positive impact on the environment for nearly 20 years, sparking solutions for a greener future through both its in-store recycling programs and corporate initiatives. In a recent press release, Staples celebrated its sustainability accomplishments to date.

Staples is the number one supporter of Bullfrog Energy in the retail space in Canada. All Staples Studio co-working spaces, Print Hubs, Solutionshop locations, as well as Staples Professional’s HQ and E-commerce platform in Canada are 100 per cent powered by Bullfrog Energy, coming exclusively from wind and hydro facilities that have been certified as low impact by Environment Canada under its EcoLogo program. In 2021, Staples’ Corktown Store became the first to be 100% Bullfrog Powered.

Supporting Canadians with safe disposal. Staples is committed to recycling and diverting materials from the waste stream. Through its programs, more than 20.5 million kilograms of e-waste, 25 million ink and toner cartridges, and more than 1 million kilograms of household batteries have been safely recycled to date. Staples’ 300+ store locations across Canada have several free recycling solutions available for customers, including:

    • Cardboard Recycling Program. This year, Staples is re-launching its corrugated cardboard collection and recycling program through its delivery fleet in 2022.
    • Battery Recycling Program. Staples partners with Call2Recycle to collect used batteries (rechargeable and alkaline) from all store locations and its Home Office for recycling.
    • Electronics Recycling. Through Staples’ partnership with eCycle Solutions, end-of-life electronics including cell phones, computers, peripherals and more can be submitted at almost all Staples retail locations (excluding stores in Calgary, Alberta). Staples is an authorized e-waste provider site through the Electronic Products Recycling Association (EPRA) nationally.

Writing Instruments. In 2012, Staples launched a writing instrument recycling program in partnership with TerraCycle. Customers can drop off used writing instruments, such as pens, pencils, markers and highlighters at local stores, which are then shipped to TerraCycle for recycling.

Shredding. Though Staples’ partnership with Iron Mountain customers can access safe and cost-effective secure shredding services. All shredded materials are then recycled to minimize waste and pollution.

Ink Recycling Programs. Every year 300 million ink cartridges end up in North American landfills. Staples Canada encourages schools across the country to participate in its School Ink Recycling Program by signing up to receive a free ink cartridge collection bin. All retail locations and Staples delivery drivers also collect ink/toner cartridges from consumers to be recycled.

Greener Product Picks. Staples Canada carries a broad mix of environmentally responsible products and actively works with like-minded vendors to increase its assortment of eco-responsible goods. 

More information on sustainability goals, waste diversion and recycling programs, along with a number of informative environment resources can be found on Staples Canada’s sustainability hub at staples.ca/environment.

Source: Staples 

Staples Canada Launches We Love Teachers Contest

Staples Canada has launched the We Love Teachers contest to thank educators for everything that they do. Parents, students and fellow educators are encouraged to nominate a teacher in their community that’s making an impact.

The We Love Teachers contest is accepting nominations from until June 15. Eight teachers from across Canada will be selected for a chance to win a $1,000 Staples gift card for their classroom or to upgrade any technology and $250 cash for self-care.

“It has been another difficult and trying year for educators and as the school year comes to an end, we want to give back to communities by recognizing teachers who are making an impact,” said David Boone, CEO, Staples Canada. “At Staples Canada, we love teachers, they are pillars in our community and always go above and beyond for their students. This contest is our way to help recognize their efforts to inspire and nurture education every day.”

To submit a nomination or learn more about the We Love Teachers contest, visit staples.ca/weloveteachers.

Teacher Membership Program

Teachers can take advantage of special perks at Staples year-round as part of the Teacher Membership Program. The program offers educators exclusive perks, competitive pricing on supplies and dedicated services. It’s free to join and is available to teachers, staff and faculty at all public and private K-12 schools, colleges and universities as well as home educators. Benefits include:

  • Exclusive Offers: Members receive discounts on supplies, tech and print and marketing services at Solutionshop.
  • Perks: Every quarter, members receive free colour copies and photo prints, as well as annual appreciation gifts.
  • Service: Teachers will have access to one-on-one service with an account manager and have twice as long to return purchased items.
  • School Tools: Teachers can create and share their class-specific lists of school supplies with parents and students. Staples Canada will donate 3% back to the school for every purchase made.

Visit staples.ca/teachermembership for more information on the Teacher Membership Program or to join.

Source: Staples

Staples Canada Launches Second Year of Even the Odds With Map

With a mission to help make the future fair for everyone, Staples Canada and MAP, a world-leading research centre, have launched the second year of the Even the Odds fundraising partnership with a goal to raise $2 million in 2022.

Even the Odds launched in 2021 to help raise awareness of inequity in Canada and build vibrant, healthy communities. The campaign raised $1.23 million during its inaugural year, thanks to the support of Staples Canada’s customers, associates and vendor-partners, as well as a corporate match donation.

Even the Odds has already begun making an impact by funding research and solutions throughout Canada, including three MAP projects: a leadership program for young people who are exiting homelessness; a health promotion school program for kids in disadvantaged neighbourhoods; and a national initiative to draw the blueprint for a more equitable primary care system in Canada.

Recently through Even the Odds, Staples Canada and MAP also announced support for a new Université de Montréal and the Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP) project focused on an innovative health clinic, called Clinique Mauve, that’s specifically designed to meet the needs of racialized and migrant communities who identify as LGBTQI+. The project will evaluate the program and explore the best ways to tailor the clinic’s services to serve Two-Spirit and/or trans Indigenous people, especially youth.

Staples Canada will launch its first in-store fundraising effort of 2022 from May 2 to 22, 2022. Customers make a donation to Even the Odds at any one of Staples Canada’s 300+ stores or online at staples.ca/eventheodds. For every dollar raised during the campaign, Staples Canada will match with a corporate donation, up to $500,000.

More on inequity in Canada

In Canada, income, education, and experiences of discrimination strongly affect the odds of staying healthy. That’s because social and economic status determine how easy it is to access the resources that are essential for good health, such as affordable housing, nutritious food, and health care. As a result, over 1.2 million children in Canada live in households that struggle to afford fresh fruit and vegetables. At least one million people sacrifice basic essentials to pay for medical prescriptions, and 235,000 are homeless every year. The pandemic has exposed the magnitude of social, health and economic inequity in Canada, with racialized and low-income populations carrying a disproportionate burden of the health and economic impacts.

Internationally recognized for ground-breaking science and innovation, MAP scientists work in partnership with communities and government leaders to address these issues and more through the development of equity-focused program and policy solutions.

To learn more or make a donation to Even the Odds, visit staples.ca/eventheodds.

Source: Staples