Staples to award $25K to ‘ecovator’ schools

As part of its ongoing strategy to drive sustainability innovation, Staples will be giving away $25,000 in new tech products to 10 “eco-focused” schools in Canada in 2015.

Publicly funded schools that are focused on the environment are invited to enter the contest atStaples.ca/PowerEco and share their eco initiatives for a chance to win. The Staples Superpower your School Contest runs through Jan. 31.

"We know that schools and students are very passionate about the environment. To us, they are ‘ecovators’ -- a term recognizing the superheroes who innovate to make a difference on the environment," said Steve Matyas, president of Staples Canada. "Our goal is to empower schools by giving them the power to learn using the latest technology."

The contest is being held in collaboration with Earth Day Canada, a national charity that works directly with thousands of teachers and schools to provide environmental resources and support. The contest, previously known as the Staples Canada Recycle for Education Computer Lab Contest, is now in its fifth year and has awarded 40 schools the latest technology to empower students to learn and nurture their passion for the environment.

According to Staples, over the past few years the company has made sustainability a focus of its operations, product offerings and services. Staples’ recent sustainability efforts include:

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  A new technology trade-in program in the United States that lets customers cash-in and recycle online or in-store


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  An expanded Staples Rewards ink and toner recycling program online in the United States


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  Energy Star building certification at more than 600 U.S. facilities


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  Staples Canada’s expansion of its partnership with Bullfrog Power to support renewable energy