Staples Canada has released its first quarter sustainability update and environmental achievements. Highlights of the report include steady growth for many in-store recycling initiatives, including battery and writing instruments programs. "Our recycling programs and sustainability initiatives have started the year off on a strong note," said Leigh Pearson, director of facilities, environment and procurement at Staples Canada. "We are always looking for ways to help our customers and associates make a positive impact on the environment."
Battery recycling program sees steady increase over Q4 2016The immensely successful battery recycling program at Staples collected 46,716.1 kg in Q1 2017, a 9.4 per cent increase over collections in Q4 2016. Writing instrument recycling initiative on track for a record-breaking yearThe writing instrument recycling program at Staples, in partnership with TerraCycle, had its second highest collecting quarter in its five-year history with 80,161 units collected in Q1 2017, a 51.8 per cent increase over Q1 2016 collections (52,819 units). The program is well on its way to another record-breaking year. In 2016, 290,509 pens and markers were collected.
Leading destination to recycle electronicsStaples continues to be a leading choice among Canadian households looking to recycle their electronics with 772,193.0 kg collected from Staples stores and recycled in Q1 2017.
Driver Take Back Program collects over 100,000 ink cartridges The Driver Take Back Program had another strong quarter with 106,465 ink cartridges collected in Q1 2017. Through this initiative, Staples delivery drivers collect used batteries, electronics and ink cartridges from customers when delivering orders. The program is active in certain areas of British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, Manitoba and Nova Scotia. During Q1 2017, 5,850 kg of electronics and 130 kg of batteries were also collected.
CO2 Emissions reduced by 1, 768 metric tons In Q1 2017, Staples Canada reduced emissions by over 1,798 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:
- the annual energy use of 190 residential homes
- the carbon sequestered by 689 hectares of forests in one year
- the annual greenhouse gas emissions of 380 cars
Staples Canada continues to monitor energy consumption and actively works to conserve energy across the business by reducing overall energy costs and diversifying energy sources.
February 2017 electricity consumption: 1.0553 kWh/square foot (8.3 per cent decrease over same period in 2016
March 2017 electricity consumption: 1.1746 kWh/square foot (0.7 per cent increase over same period in 2016
April 2017 electricity consumption: 1.0156 kWh/square foot (6.0 per cent decrease over same period in 2016
