Staples issues students an eco challenge

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. Staples has launched the Staples Global EcoEasy Challenge, a competition among leading technology educational institutions around the world to create an innovative environmentally-preferable office product. In conjunction with Rochester Institute of Technology’s Golisano Institute for Sustainability, Staples created the global competition to task the world’s leading engineering students with developing concepts for an environmentally preferable business or home-office product.

Schools participating in the Global EcoEasy Challenge include University of New South Wales, Australia; School of Engineering of Piracicaba, Brazil; University of Windsor, Canada; and University of California at Berkley, United States.

As part of the Staples Global EcoEasy Challenge, individuals or teams of up to five students from each school will submit an idea for a new design of an existing product that represents greater environmental responsibility or sustainability; a product that uses an eco-innovative material; or a completely new product that promotes sustainability.

“With our longstanding commitment to sustainability, Staples is proud to sponsor the Global EcoEasy Challenge and bring together the creative minds of top engineering students from around the world,” said David D’Angelo, SVP Staples Brand Group. “We anticipate that as the next generation of environmental and engineering leaders, these students will bring passion and creativity to their designs as they develop environmentally-preferable office products.”

Apanel of judges will select the top finalists to receive a trip to New York City the week of Earth Day to present their concept during the finals on April 20. One grand-prize winning team will receive $25,000 and first- and second-place teams will receive $5,000 each.