A surgical stapler includes a handle assembly 80 made of paper pulp products or other eco-friendly material. The handle assembly and components of the staple mechanism housing are designed to account for the decreased material strength of the handle assembly. A new retainer clip 81 or handle retainer includes assembly ribs 82 which include interference fit ribs 96. The retainer clip 81 in combination with a raised circular boss 16 of the handle assembly facilities the use of lower strength materials, such as paper pulp products. An efficient staple housing mechanism includes the use of new staple carrier assembly fixture pin 86 and other disclosed components.
