Staples Recycled Paper...in a Plastic Wrapper
May 24 
I take the trouble to buy 100% recycled paper. (Printing is an occupational hazard. Typos which are invisible on the screen seem to leap off the printed page. Weird but true.)
But I'd like to know why Staples, which claims to make things "eco easy" cannot simply wrap their 100% recycled paper in a paper sleeve? They even have the nerve to print: "every package for Staples brand paper is recyclable." And that's technically true... for those of us who have easy access to #5 plastics recycling. Which I do not.
But recycling paper and recycling plastic aren't the same process, with paper recycling the much more efficient and cost effective of the two.
Oh my goodness, but this post sounds so grouchy and negative! Wait... let me change that. Reader, you're looking rather nice today. Did you change your hair?
Truly, I'd rather applaud steps taken than disparage failures. But when a product brags about its eco sensitivity, it would be nice if it were actually true. Not long ago, all paper reams came in paper wrappers. Was that really so prohibitive? Really?
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Reader Comments (4)
Why, yes, thank you. My stylist went a shade darker on the color to go with my new glasses frames. :-)
I agree. A paper wrapper for paper makes much more sense!
I remember when organic bananas were sold in plastic sleeves. I went to the store manager and complained: "If I'm buying organic bananas, it's because I care about the environment and am concerned about toxic materials in my food. Why would I want my bananas wrapped in a chemical stew of plastics that will next be used to pollute our land?"
I don't know that I had a direct impact, but shortly thereafter organic banana suppliers began finding a way to sell them wrapped with a thin paper & glue band. Definite improvement (though I wonder what's in the glue?).
And no, actually, I haven't done anything with my hair in months. And now I'm grouchy because you clearly don't even pay attention to my appearance the least little bit. Thanks.
It makes no sense-why the extra packaging? So incredibly wasteful and then to promote the ability to recycle the packaging. No very good PR Staples. And yes, my hair is a bit darker this week.
You have a point. It could be that Staples thought about the quality of their paper products, in case a consumer buys such during a rainy day - that is why they chose to put them in a plastic wrapper. These days, eco-friendly or biodegradable plastic wrappers and bags are also available and they could have opted for this type. Your concern about paper wastage and recycling is commendable.