Recyclers Expose Staples Greenwashing
Office Supply Chain Challenged on America Recycles Day Sponsorship

Athens, GA -- The U.S.'s largest network of waste reduction activists today challenged Staples, the nation's largest office supply chain, to 'walk the talk' and commit to achieving 50% post-consumer content for all paper products within two years, and stop seeking public relations alternatives to action.

The GrassRoots Recycling Network (GRRN) joined forest protection advocates across the country in demanding that Staples take responsibility for growing forest destruction by stocking recycled paper.

"Staples' attempt to buy greenwashing cover by co-sponsoring the 5th America Recycles Day (November 15) -- instead of taking real action -- won't wash with consumers," said GRRN executive director, Bill Sheehan. "Staples needs to come clean and do the right thing."

According to Staples executives on November of 2000, 97% of the copy paper Staples sells comes from virgin wood - with only 3% from recycled resources. In response to the consumer campaign launched a year ago, Staples recently introduced two new lines of recycled paper containing 10% and 50% post-consumer recycled fiber.

"Actions speak louder than words," said Todd Paglia of ForestEthics. "With over 200 demonstrations at Staples stores, citizens are sending a strong message that Staples must get out of the business of destroying forests. A few token recycled products on their shelves does not buy credibility."

"Now more than ever, we as Americans realize how important our nation's forests are for peace of mind and quality of life -- something that we won't let corporations such as Staples take away. Our forest heritage is something to protect for our children and our future," said Danna Smith of the Dogwood Alliance.

Consumers can write an e-letter to Staples CEO Ron Sargent at http://www.grrn.org/take_action/take_action_staples.html.
More information on The Stop Staples Campaign is at
http://www.stopstaples.net/.