Staples, Pa. Educators Launch ''Staples Recycle for Education''

Staples Vice Chairman Joe Vassalluzzo kicked off the program in Pennsylvania today at a rally in Philadelphia with Susan Enfield from the office of the PA Secretary of Education; Robert Ganem, senior program manager of The NEA Foundation; and Heather Cowley, regional pollution prevention and compliance assistance manager of the Pa. Department of Environmental Protection. Pennsylvania is one of six states selected as a focus of the program.

"This program is an easy way for Staples to join forces with our customers and educators to help public education and the environment in Pennsylvania," said Joe Vassalluzzo, Staples vice chairman. "We hope to raise thousands of dollars at our 76 stores across the state."

Staples has partnered with The NEA Foundation For The Improvement Of Education and public charities designated by NEA state affiliates to provide grants with the money raised by "Staples Recycle for Education." Money raised with inkjet and laser toner cartridge recycling at Staples stores in Pennsylvania will stay in the state for education grants or statewide education programs.

"Public schools are hurting," said Robert Ganem, senior program manager for The NEA Foundation. "'Staples Recycle for Education' will raise millions of dollars for classrooms and help defray the costs that teachers spend out of their own pockets on school supplies."

The "Staples Recycle for Education" program makes it easy to recycle used inkjet and laser toner cartridges in clearly marked recycling bins at all 1,100 Staples store nationwide.