Staples Accepts Governor's Challenge with `Recycle for Education' Program; Ink Jet Recycling...

Environment Writers/Education Writers

OKLAHOMA CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 5, 2003

The Oklahoma State Firefighters Association (OSFA) and Oklahoma Education Association (OEA) have teamed up with Staples stores throughout Oklahoma to help raise money for education. Governor Brad Henry

and First Lady Kim Henry will help officially launch Staples' "Recycle for Education" program, which encourages customers to turn in empty ink jet and toner cartridges to a local Staples store or other participating drop-off sites. Staples will donate $1 towards Oklahoma education for every eligible ink jet or toner cartridge recycled, with a goal to raise $100,000.

The "Recycle for Education" kick-off event will be held this Saturday, March 8 at 1:30 p.m. at the Oklahoma Firefighters Museum located at 2716 NE 50th Street, Oklahoma City. Joining the Governor and First Lady to launch the program are Joe Lada, district manager for Staples, Jim Sanders and Gary Byrd of the OSFA, Carolyn Crowder, President of OEA, and Warren Thomas, CEO of Tinker Business Industrial Park.

"The 'Recycle for Education' program is a win-win for everyone -- the Oklahoma education system gets some well needed funds and Staples makes it easy to help raise customer awareness about protecting the environment by recycling ink jet cartridges," said Joe Lada, district manager for Staples. "Staples is grateful to the OSFA and OEA for their support in putting this program together and the impact it will have on the education system."

"Without a doubt, Staples is a friend of public education and a steward of the environment," said Carolyn Crowder, President for the Oklahoma Education Association. "We're proud to have helped plan and implement this program. The OEA will do everything possible to encourage our members to support this project."

The "Recycle for Education" program, began on February 1, and will last 100 days to coincide with the first 100 days of Governor Henry's administration. At the end of the 100 days, Lada will present Gov. Henry with a check to be used in the state's general education fund.

All other Staples stores located in Oklahoma will also hold local launch events on Saturday, March 8. In addition, customers can drop off recyclable ink jet and toner cartridges at the following locations: all Oklahoma fire houses; all Oklahoma GAP, Gap Kids, and Baby Gap stores; OEA offices; and Tinker Business & Industrial Park.