Mitigate Paper Use During Tax Season at Staples

A recent survey found that nearly a trillion sheets of paper are tossed out within one day of their printing, forcing the question: Was their printing really necessary? With April 15 looming around the corner and tax documents being prepared, paper consumption is on the rise.

To decrease unnecessary printing and paper consumption associated with the tax season, Staples is offering a variety of environmentally-friendly printing solutions for 2008 tax returns between April 5-15. To encourage customers to print double-sided versus single-sided and reduce overall paper consumption, Staples will offer free black and white double-sided copies of tax returns, up to 20 pages. In 2006 alone, more than 99,778,437 tons of paper, or 663 pounds per person, were consumed. This number can be reduced by 20 percent annually if double-sided printing is utilized.

Tax preparation can be stressful, but it doesn't have to take a toll on the environment.

“We can all save a considerable amount of money, and have a positive impact on the environment, by taking a few minutes to think before hitting the print button on the copier or computer,” said John Burke, senior vice president of business services at Staples.

Staples will also offer the following environmentally friendly printing solutions:

• Free scans - Up to 100 free scans to PDF documents are being offered to help customers keep an electronic and secure paper-free copy of important tax documents.
• Recycled paper - Fifty percent post consumer-waste recycled content paper, certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC), will be used.
• Ink and toner cartridge recycling - Staples offers customers $3 back in Staples Rewards for recycling ink and toner cartridges with Staples. Recent studies have shown that 70 percent of used cartridges are thrown away worldwide rather than recycled, contributing to the electronic waste amounts in landfills.

“By offering free scans and copies during the tax season, we can help customers keep records of their tax returns both electronically and in hard-copy format while printing responsibly,” said Burke.