Nelson Launches New Green Initiative

By Lynn Garrett -- Publishers Weekly, 1/31/2008 6:22:00 AM

Thomas Nelson has announced a new initiative designed to lessen the company’s environmental impact. Developed in consultation with the Green Press Initiative, the program aims to reduce Nelson’s paper consumption by at least 30% by the year 2012 through strategies such as shorter print runs—reducing the quantity of books per title printed by 10% by 2010 and 18% by 2012--more use of POD, and increased digital delivery of content. The company also will increase its use of recycled paper and support “best practices in forest management” by purchasing at least 20% of its paper for domestic consumption from forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, and by attempting to eliminate the use of paper containing fiber from endangered and old growth forest areas. A task force has been formed to develop awareness and educational programs for suppliers, customers and employees.

In a statement, president and CEO Michael Hyatt said, "Our vision is to dramatically reduce our carbon footprint over the next five years and lead the publishing industry in creating revolutionary ways to be both environmentally sustainable and profitable." Green Press Initiative director Tyson Miller called Nelson’s goals "significant” and said, "We are hopeful that this leadership will motivate other Christian publishers to follow suit."

Details of Thomas Nelson's environmental policy can be viewed at www.thomasnelson.com/green.

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