EARTH protest targets Staples' paper policies

National protest urges company to buy recycled

DAVE KIM / staff photographer Junior Elizabeth Miller attacks a tree outside the Harrisonburg Staples store Tuesday in protest.

Chanting and singing as they waved slogan-painted signs in the air, the JMU EARTH club protested outside of the Harrisonburg Staples Tuesday afternoon as part of a national effort by environmental groups to pressure the office supply chain into adopting more environmentally conscious business practices.

Protesters also brandished cardboard cut-outs of a stapler and a tree, taking turns "stapling" the tree in objection to Staples' paper policies.

More than 200 protests simultaneously occurred at Staples stores in over 40 states, according to a press bulletin released by Forest Ethics, an environmental activist group that declared Tuesday a "Day of Action to Stop Staples."

According to the bulletin, less than 12 percent of all products sold by Staples contain any recycled content. 

Staples sells these products despite a readily available supply of recycled fibers, as well as burgeoning public concern for the environment, according to Forest Ethic's Web site, www.stopstaples.net.

According to the Forest Ethics bulletin, with Staples being "the largest and fastest growing office supply superstore in the world," the company is in a position to set a new ethical standard for the industry.

"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," Danna Smith of Forest Ethics said in the press release.

This is the second year that JMU EARTH (Environmental Awareness and Restoration Through our Help) participated in the national protest, said junior Mariana Bowling, EARTH member. "The more recycled paper we buy, the cheaper it will get and the more we'll be helping the Earth. Staples needs to give us the opportunity to buy recycled paper," she said.

Store manager David Dickensheets declined to comment on the protest, citing corporate orders.  He issued a written statement saying in part, "Staples, Inc. offers a number of recycled products in our stores. We are developing a purchasing policy that will formalize our commitment to the environment. Staples is … working to resolve the concerns of the environmental groups."
EARTH has worked for environmental issues in the community for over 10 years, Bowling said.  The group has strived to increase conservation on the JMU campus and was responsible for the original implementation of campus recycling, she said.

EARTH currently is attempting to work with administration officials to initiate a policy of using recycled paper in campus labs, libraries and copy centers.

"We'd like to see 100 percent recycled paper being used in all departments within the next five years," said Starza Kolman, EARTH member.

The club meets Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in Keezell G1, and anyone interested is invited to attend.