Beyond the Recycling Bin

To ensure these requirements are met, Office Depot puts its suppliers through fairly rigorous paces, including a pre-screening questionnaire and third-party verification of the suppliers’ environmental record and practices.

The program has enabled the direct marketer to reach its environmental goals. For example, in 2003 Office Depot reportedly used recycled paper (ranging from 10 to 100 percent PCW) in the production of its inserts, print ads, direct mail and catalogs. More specifically, the company used what it deems “environmentally preferable paper” in 81 percent of all direct mail materials and 13 percent of all catalogs during 2003, according to its “2004 Environ-mental Stewardship Report.”