Post-consumer is paper that has been used and recycled to make new paper. Smith and Native Forest Network want Staples to sell paper that is at least 50 percent post-consumer fiber. Recycled paper, however, is not as bright as paper made from virgin wood fiber. Paper made from virgin wood fiber is entirely from trees and has no recycled fibers. Smith disagreed as he held up a sheet of 100 percent post-consumer paper.
Recycled paper takes less energy, water and toxins to produce than paper made from virgin wood.
Smith said Staples has so few recycled options that it forces consumers to buy non-recycled products. Since consumers largely follow the lead of corporations, Staples should offer more of alternatives to virgin paper, he said. Not everyone sympathized with the protesters, however. Fourth grade teacher June Brown, who was shopping at Staples during the protest, blamed the protesters for her two sons having to move to Washington state to find work. Please include you full name, address, and current phone number so that we can verify the letter's authenticity.