Mark Buckley of Staples, Inc.

In this episode, Buckley shares details of Staples' comprehensive environmental commitment through their EcoEasy™ program, which focuses around three main areas including environmentally preferable products, recycling services, and internal operations.

As part of EcoEasy™, Buckley addresses ways in which companies, as well as individuals, can make a difference in protecting the environment.

"We make it very easy for folks to find products that have a better environmental attribute", shares Buckley.

When discussing the concept of democratizing sustainability, making it accessible to the general public, Buckley explains to On Paper listeners, “Our strategy is to fundamentally change the way that products get brought to market. {We ask} how can we create more opportunities across other categories in our business, where customers don’t necessarily have to make that trade-off in terms of price?”

In an Entrepreneur magazine article published earlier this year, Staples illustrated for readers how to “green” an existing office space by making smarter choices in their product selection and processes. During this On Paper episode, Buckley further explains that process to listeners and provides tangible actions to pursue.

Mark Buckley directs Staples’ environmental commitment and sustainable business practices to protect and preserve natural resources. He is responsible for driving the company’s environmental leadership in four major areas: the purchase and promotion of recycled content products; chain-wide recycling initiatives; energy conservation programs and renewable power procurement; as well as educational initiatives for customers and associates. As a key part of his role, Buckley oversees a strategic business plan that supports goals outlined by Staples’ environmental paper procurement policy. The policy formalizes the company’s commitment to protecting forest resources through environmentally sound paper procurement practices. In doing so, Buckley serves as an important liaison with suppliers, environmental groups, paper industry groups and consultants.

A 17-year Staples veteran, Buckley was previously vice president of facilities management and purchasing at Staples. His responsibilities included directing company-wide recycling and energy conservation programs, starting in 1993. He has also served as a key member of Staples Environmental Action Group. Prior to joining Staples, Buckley held several leadership positions in the field of environmental management for Star Market, Continental Baking, General Environmental Services Inc. and the U.S. Department of Interior/Aquaculture Project.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from St. Anselm’s College and is an active member of several environmental groups for the State of Massachusetts.

Maureen Kedes is CEO and Founder of Vertex Communications, LLC (vertexpr.com) a boutique marketing and public relations firm. Maureen Kedes has held positions as Sr. VP of Public Relations at Fortune Broadcasting (fortunebroadcasting.com) Senior VP of Public Relations at Clean Agency (cleanagency.com). Prior to founding Vertex, Ms. Kedes served as Sr. Account Executive at Pacari Company and as spokesperson for several major corporations including: Toshiba, Yamaha, Sharp Electronics, Con Agra Foods. Ms. Kedes hosts her own weekly internet radio show PRInsider on VoiceAmerica.com. Kedes is a graduate of Barnard College, Columbia University and is a mom to two elementary school boys.