Well, maybe we’ll have to wait a bit until color readers come along, but I got the following press release that I found interesting:
America’s children’s books are contributing to the destruction of endangered rainforests in Indonesia, according to a new report released today by Rainforest Action Network (RAN). The report, entitled Turning the Page on Rainforest Destruction; Children’s Books and the Future of Indonesia’s Rainforests, finds that a majority of the top ten U.S. children’s publishers have released at least one children’s book that tested positive for paper fiber linked to the destruction of Indonesia’s rainforests, including some books that describe the benefits of rainforest conservation. …
RAN had 30 colored children’s books tested for fiber associated with deforestation in Indonesia and found that 18 of the 30 books (60 percent) contained controversial fiber. RAN’s tests point to a growing industry trend toward the overseas printing of children’s books, as well as other glossy paper books like coffee table books and textbooks, on fiber that is from controversial and endangered sources.
This is an important topic. Although most US paper comes from planted forests, in much of Asia, paper production is a part of the deforestation process. As publishers streamline and rely on others for actual production of paper books, the low bidder just might be someone who is not environmentally responsible.
Rob Preece
Publisher
The saving of trees–any trees, anywhere–is one of the biggest reasons I bought an ereader. As a writer, I’ve spent my life in love with paper books. I love the feel of them, the comfort they offered (yes, I’m weird like that…finding comfort in a book). But the global environment is in danger and we must act responsibly.
~Donna~
http://www.DonnaFasano.com
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/9466