Corporate Responsibility

BOCA RATON, Fla. -- Office Depot announced that, from April 17 through April 23, it is inviting customers to trade in their used writing instruments regardless of brand to any of its retail stores nationwide. In exchange for ten pens, pencils or markers, customers will receive a coupon toward a new product from Newell Rubbermaid Office Products. The collected instruments will be sent to TerraCycle to be turned into new office supply products ranging from trash cans to desk organizers.

FORT WORTH, Texas -- RadioShack announced that it is giving customers the chance to win the new eco-friendly Nissan Leaf simply by trading in their used electronics devices.

From April 17 to 23, customers can bring in eligible working products and accessories into any participating RadioShack store and enter to win a Nissan LEAF, the only 100% electric, zero-emissions vehicle available in the mass market. 

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. -- Dollar General have announced their partnership to increase awareness of autism and raise funds for autism research and advocacy during Autism Awareness Month in April.

“This disorder affects many of our customers and we are proud to help fund research for the cause,” said Rick Dreiling, chairman and CEO of Dollar General.

East Cleveland, Ohio -- The future of lighting -- with an emphasis on the powerful potential of LEDs, fluorescent, halogen and ceramic metal halide lighting systems -- is on the move. Lighting professionals and designers, distributors, architects, contractors, facility maintenance and utility executives, as well as government officials are invited to register at www.gelightingrevolutiontour.com for a sneak peek of the brightest lighting technologies on the horizon this year and beyond.

Burbank, Calif. -- Ikea on Wednesday went live with the solar energy system installed at its store in Burbank, Calif. The 35,000-sq.-ft. array consists of a 290-kW system, built with approximately 1,260 panels. 

The installation will produce approximately 421,300 kWh of electricity annually, the equivalent of reducing at least 334 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2). The initiative will contribute to the local utility’s renewable portfolio goals and will lower the carbon intensity of the electrical grid.

Atlanta -- The charitable arm of The Home Depot pledged $30 million over three years to address veterans' housing issues. The pledge starts with the donation of $3.1 million to Fisher House Foundation, The Mission Continues and Volunteers of America to repair and rehabilitate facilities and homes serving veterans.

Home Depot employees also will volunteer to help on projects for all three organizations.

AUSTIN, Texas -- Whole Foods Market announced that it is on track to stop selling all red-rated swordfish and tuna at its seafood counters nationwide by this Earth Day, April 22.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. -- Kohl’s Department Stores announced that the company will be recognized as a 2011 Energy Star Partner of the Year for the second consecutive year at the Energy Star Awards ceremony held in Washington, D.C. The Partner of the Year Award is presented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. and HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- Walmart and Sears Holdings have both announced their commitment to helping military members maintain employment when moving from one community to another.

Washington, D.C. -- On the heels of First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden’s “Joining Forces” military support announcement in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Walmart has announced its Military Family Promise. 

The commitment guarantees a job at a nearby store or club for all military personnel, and military spouses, employed at Walmart and Sam's Club who move to a different part of the country because they or their spouse have been transferred by the United States military.