DELRAY BEACH, FL — In observance of the 33rd anniversary of Earth Day, celebrated around the world in more than 180 countries on April 22, Office Depot, Inc., (NYSE:ODP) announced the launch of its “Earth Day Every Day” campaign, which includes a partnership with Earth Day Network.

Recognizing the importance of educating communities on water quality, Office Depot is supporting Earth Day Network’s “Water for Life” program by distributing water testing kits to more than 2,300 schools across North America. In addition, Earth Day Network’s “What’s in Your Water” educational curriculum materials are being distributed to more than 250,000 teachers.

Earth Day Network’s “Water for Life” was designed in partnership with the United Nations International Year of Freshwater. It is a two-year initiative designed to raise awareness of water-related issues and provide practical ways for individuals, schools, communities and corporations to address the world's water crisis. The "World's Thirstiest Children" element of the program will raise the profile of water health issues worldwide and equip individuals with the tools to address water issues locally and globally.

The water testing kits provide educational coordinators with a valuable hands-on activity that enables students to learn about key chemical indicators and about the health of their own watershed through field experience.

“Our participation in Earth Day Network’s ‘Water for Life’ program underscores our charitable mission of directly impacting the health, welfare and education for children,” said Mary Wong, Director of Community Relations for Office Depot. “We hope that students will increase awareness of water quality issues by sharing what they learn in class with their parents and friends.”

In addition to its partnership with Earth Day Network, Office Depot has also launched a company-wide awareness campaign, “Earth Day Every Day,” featuring posters, brochures and other educational materials. Messaging at the Company’s more than 860 retail stores in North America as well as all other Company locations highlights the importance of celebrating Earth Day not just today, but every day.

Wong noted that these materials will provide meaningful tips on recycling, conservation and energy-saving measures that people can carry out at home, at work and in their communities to make “Earth Day Every Day.”

According to the World Health Organization, millions of people do not have adequate access to clean, fresh water on a consistent basis. Improving access to adequate sanitation and expanding water distribution systems are critically important goals in numerous countries around the world.

“While we can’t prevent water illnesses from occurring, we can certainly encourage educators, our customers and, most importantly, our children to learn about the important role they play in maintaining a sustainable future for our water supply,” Wong concluded.

“Earth Day Network has a long term commitment to raising environmental awareness around water issues,” said Kathleen Rogers, President of Earth Day Network. “Earth Day Network thanks Office Depot for its commitment to children and the environment.”

About Office Depot
No one sells more office products to more customers in more countries than Office Depot. The Company operates under the Office Depotâ, Viking Office Productsâ, Viking Directâ and 4Sure.comâ brand names. As of March 29, 2003, Office Depot operated 871 office supply superstores in the United States and Canada, in addition to a national business-to-business delivery network supported by 24 delivery centers, more than 60 local sales offices and 13 regional call centers. Furthermore, the Company sells products and services in 20 countries outside of the United States and Canada, including 38 office supply stores in France, one in Spain and 12 in Japan that are owned and operated by the Company; and 123 additional office supply stores under joint venture and licensing agreements operating under the Office Depotâ name in seven foreign countries.

The Company also operates an award-winning U.S. Office Depot brand web site at www.officedepot.com where customers can access Office Depot’s low competitive prices seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day. The Company also operates more than 30 other web sites in the U.S. and 13 international countries including: Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Japan, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Office Depot’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ODP and is included in the S&P 500 Index.

Office Depot, Inc.

Office Depot, Inc.

Office Depot provides more office products and services to more customers in more countries than any other company. Incorporated in 1986 and headquartered in Delray Beach, Fla., Office Depot has annual sales of nearly $15 billion, and employs approximately 50,000 associates around the world. Currently, the Company sells to customers directly or through affiliates in 42 countries. Office Depot is a leader in every distribution channel -- from retail stores and contract delivery to catalogs and e-commerce. Office Depot serves a wide range of customers through a dedicated sales force, telephone account managers, direct mail offerings, and multiple web sites.

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