Recycled Headlines

Local publications take strides toward a greener future

Story by Ginny Jenks
Photos contributed by Lane Press, inc.

Today's print media industry is easy to stereotype as one of waste. With the countless array of magazine and newspaper titles available, it's hard not to look at this phenomenon in terms of numbers.

For instance, 20: that's the percentage of magazines currently recycled from the home, according to the Magazine Publishers of America. Or 43: that's the percentage of readers who would pay more for a magazine printed on recycled paper, according to a survey by Hearst. And 3: that's the number of North Country publications that are making huge efforts to elude the "wasteful" stereotype and preserve the future.

"There is a whole movement in the publishing industry toward recycled content for printing."

Denton Publications, located in Elizabethtown, New York, prints between 35 and 40 publications per week. These titles include The Times of Ti,The Adirondack Journal, Tri-Lakes Today, and Valley News to name a few. According to Bill Coats, Denton's Production Manager, the company has made great efforts to use recycled materials. Coats says that Denton prints on newsprint paper that is comprised of 20 to 30 percent Post Consumer Waste (PCW). In addition, they are currently looking into purchasing new High Bright paper (a heavier, novel-like weight) that is 100 percent PCW. The company's sustainable efforts do not stop with their materials. The waste products that result from the printing process are all sent to the Canusa Hershman Recycling Center, located in Vermont. "This includes corrugated cardboard, aluminum sheets used for the printing press, printed newsprint, non-printed newsprint, and any other waste product," Coats adds.

After the papers are printed and delivered, Denton is still thinking about how they can make further recycling efforts. They offer to pick up the previous days paper when they deliver the new one. "All of our customers take advantage of this," Coats says. These "recycled" newspapers also make the trip to Canusa Hershman.

As far as responsible business practices, Denton recently replaced the furnace in their office with one that is three times more efficient, and added foam insulation to the roof to reduce fuel output. Additionally, they are looking into leasing trucks with better fuel economies. "As production manager, I make an effort to steer our company in as green a direction as possible," Coats says, "Even if our other employees are not fully aware of the efforts we make."

"We're always streamlining our process."

Although Adirondack Life magazine is printed in Vermont, not here in the Adirondacks, their office, located in Jay, New York controls what materials are used in the printing process. "There is a whole movement in the publishing industry toward recycled content for printing," says Matt Paul, the magazine's Production Coordinator. Sustainable efforts don't stop at recycled content for Adirondack Life. The magazine has been looking into using products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for about a year. "These products use an environmentally sustained forest process," Paul says. "As a magazine, we're trying to make sure we use products with FSC certification."

Adirondack life was environmentally minded even in their selection of their printer, Lane Press. "They have a lot more environmental regulations in Vermont- the plant even recaptures water and heat from their building to use again," Paul says. Beth Renaud is a part of the marketing and communications division at Lane Press. "We do many things to be an environmentally responsible publisher, and we also offer many options so that our customers can be environmentally responsible." Lane Press's website has a myriad of information relating to their environmental policy, as well as e-newsletters and articles giving their customers ideas on staying environmentally responsible in their business practices.

"We try to run a very efficient organization."

Paul is sure that readers are aware of sustainable options available for magazines. "We definitely have a lot of people concerned, and that is a driving factor." In addition to conservation initiatives related to the magazine itself, the Adirondack Life office makes a great effort toward reducing their carbon footprint. "We're always streamlining our process" he says. The company recently installed an ink jet printer to view proofs, which reduces the amount of chemicals involved with previous printing methods. In addition, he explains how the magazine offers employees flexible workweeks, so they have an opportunity to save gas in their vehicles.

Studley Printing, located in Plattsburgh, New York, is another local publisher making big

recycling efforts. The company prints The Lake Champlain Weekly, as well as a graduation publication, a bridal publication, and quarterly publications that correspond to the seasons. Owner Bill Studley says, "Our newsprint contains a minimum of 25 percent PCW." He explains that since they also print for other companies, the customer has the option to choose a product with a higher recycled content.

Much like Denton Publications and Adirondack Life, Studley's commitment to sustainability doesn't end at their choice of materials. "All back publications are picked up and recycled," editor Caroline Kehne says. She explains how the publisher also uses a recycling service, so there are bins specifically for newsprint, and other waste products. "We recycle a very high percentage of our waste," Kehne adds. "We try to run a very efficient organization."

The efforts these local publications are making to reduce their carbon footprints not only look "good on paper", but also remind consumers that the future of the Adirondacks is one worth preserving.

Do you recycle your old magazines and newspapers?