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No Virgins - Buy Recycled

© Pamela Gordon

On my latest quest to buy some paper office supplies I went to several local office supply stores. I think all the “mom and pop” stores have gone out of business; I could only find the large chain office supply stores. Anyway I went to several, all in the search for recycled paper. What I found is that virgin paper is still the cheapest and most available paper for any consumer needs. Why is this? Why isn’t virgin paper more expensive? Even if it is cheaper to produce, I believe that as an incentive to buy recycled paper, virgin paper should cost more. Why not put some true value on the paper we consume? This true value would add in the damage to our forests and old growth trees. I don’t think I’m alone on this.

Until that happens, I have decided to support any company that actively promotes recycled paper. Amazingly I found that with Staples. They have a recycle program and a statement about their dedication to provide recycled, environmentally friendly products. They have won an EPA “Energy Star” award in 1999 for their use of energy efficient lighting and their recycled material in their buildings. I didn’t find this with any of the other major office supply stores.

I decided to support Staples and let them know how much I appreciate their dedication to the environment and to recycling what limited recourses we have on this planet. I urge all of you to also think about what you buy the next time you use paper. There are recycled products out there. The more demand there is, the more they will be available. Use your dollar as your vote, as that is what our economy is about.

Action items:

Buy recycled products anytime it is possible. (Scissors, post-it notes, fleece jackets, etc. Don’t just think of paper.)

Support stores that stock recycled products, and tell them how you appreciate their dedication.

I wrote a letter to Staples to let them know I will support them and shop at their store because of their dedication to the environment and for providing recycled items. You can write a letter too. They have a form you can fill out on their web site.

Or write to the Corporate office:
500 Staples Drive
Framingham, MA 01702
Phone: (508) 253-5000

Participate in the EPA Energy Star program. Their awards for 2002 are coming up on March 26.

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