Gore Documentary Inspires Publisher to Produce First “Green” Bible: A Q&A with Thomas Nelson CEO Michael S. Hyatt

By Peter Beisser

Extra: What factors do you think have contributed to no one else going to print with an environmentally friendly Bible before now?
Hyatt: It was difficult to find a paper that was FSC-compliant, lightweight and durable. A Bible is generally not less than 1,000 pages, and a study Bible is 2,000. This [“green” Bible] is about 1,700 pages.

Extra: What was the most difficult part, from a technical standpoint, in the development of this Bible? In what aspects did the folks at Domtar help out in making this a reality?
Hyatt: The most difficult part of producing the “green” Bible was making sure the paper was FSC-certified, along with the mill and the printing plant. All three had to be certified to ensure that we did, in fact, watch all environmental factors. We had a meeting with Domtar to discuss the factors that had to be met. They were willing to share in some of the expense of the paper and introduce us to people who were involved in certification. It was a process and a little bit of a community effort.

Extra: What limitations are there when using the FSC-certified paper grade you used?
Hyatt: The limitations include guaranteeing the availability of the paper and confirming that even though FSC paper is used, the Bible is lightweight and durable. We determined that only [a percentage of recycled-content paper] could be used without incurring breakage issues.

Extra: Who do you hope will be the target market for this Bible, and why would this edition appeal to them over other editions you publish?
Hyatt: For many consumers, eco-friendly products are very important, and buying and using these products is an outward expression of their values, a daily and practical practice of their beliefs. I would have thought originally that it would be people who were on the cutting-edge with environmental issues and a little left on their political slant. What we’re seeing is that it’s pretty much everybody––well, everyone under the age of 35 really. As Christians, we believe the whole world is a gift from God, and we have a stewardship that we have to take care of it. I questioned, why aren’t more Christians at the forefront of this? If anyone has the reason to [be], it’s us. We feel an eco-friendly Bible will appeal to many Christians across a wide range of ages and theologies who have embraced the Bible’s message of stewardship as an important aspect of their walk of faith.