Offi ce Depot argues that being “green” makes both environmental and business sense. What consumer values does environmental stewardship tap into, and how do you think these can translate to the “bottom line” of businesses?

In 2004, Offi ce Depot issued its fi rst annual Environmental Stewardship Report . It was audited by an independent third party, namely, the sustainability experts at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. The report was the “offi ce supply industry’s fi rst independently verifi ed report of environmental performance.” Offi ce Depot has continued to be an industry leader on the environment. The cornerstone of its environmental policy is the “Offi ce Depot Environmental Paper Procurement Policy and Vision Statement,” which is posted on its Web site. This policy statement has formed the basis for the company’s ongoing efforts and benchmarking on their achievements regarding the environment. An overview of the three core areas and 10 key guiding principles, which are articulated in considerably more detail in their Policy and Vision Statement.