The environmental aspects of the publishing business have never been so prominent.  In addition the the economic need for cost reduction and waste reduction in the magazine publishing industry it’s also a major consumer factor today.

I recently asked a major magazine distributor agent about their disposal process for unsold newsstand copies.  While I was glad to learn that the copies not donated were indeed sent for recycling, the agent advised that she takes just about as many copies off the shelf as she is putting up in some stores.  This also cites the need for better logistics and distribution controls.  I know we could be smarter about putting magazines in the hands of the targeted readers.

Large distribution companies don’t always have the ability to control local and non-corporate strategic retail points of purchase or distribution.

Green magazine publishing should be looked at from many different angles.  The online media capabilities of a magazine present dozens of methods to publishers to extend their brand digitally and support green publishing.

When 30% of your readers prefer digital editions for either digital delivery preference or environmental reasons, publishers can’t afford to ignore this segment.

There’s not one single checklist and the custom green media package is different for each magazine brand.  This month, Folio magazine is coming out with their own Green issue.  This issue is sure to encourage magazine publishers to look at their business and take action to develop a brand extension strategy and consider other green publishing initiatives.