Thomas Nelson Launches Environmental Initiative

Thomas Nelson Inc. announced a new environmental plan and paper policy yesterday. Developed in consultation with the nonprofit organization Green Press Initiative (GPI), the initiative outlines measures to reduce the Christian publisher’s environmental impact, including reducing paper consumption, increasing the use of recycled paper, supporting best practices in forest management, and creating awareness and educational programs for employees, customers and suppliers.

“As the world’s largest Christian publisher, it is our responsibility to protect the resources God has bestowed upon us,” says Michael S. Hyatt, president and CEO of Thomas Nelson. “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.”

The publisher plans to reduce paper consumption by at least 30 percent by 2012 through the development of methods to more accurately match the supply printed with consumer demand. Thomas Nelson also will increase the amount of recycled content in all of the processes related to manufacturing its products, with a goal to use an average of at least 30-percent recycled fiber—with a majority post-consumer—by 2012. The company also is working to eliminate the use of paper that may contain fiber from endangered and old-growth forest areas; at least 20 percent of paper for domestic consumption will come from Forest Stewardship Council-certified forests.

Thomas Nelson also has created an environmental task force that is responsible for continuing to develop this long-term sustainability plan; educate employees on ways to contribute to conservation efforts; work with suppliers and customers to create “green” awareness campaigns; and implement companywide, environmentally friendly guidelines.

“These environmental goals are significant, and will help improve both Thomas Nelson’s and the industry’s impacts on climate, forests and people,” says Tyson Miller, executive director, GPI. “We are hopeful that this leadership will motivate other Christian publishers to follow suit.”