There is a small but growing movement to push for books on recycled or responsibly forested land, using only soy ink and other materials that are sustainable, "green," eco-friendly, whatever your choice of words may be.
On one hand, it's understandable. We need to moderate our use of paper, and be aware of the amount of trees that are mowed down to meet society's demand for paper goods.
To that end, there are some advocacy groups and non-profits that are really pushing publishers and authors to use more sustainable products in their books. One non-profit urges readers to take environmental considerations when making their decisions over what books to buy.
That's where a line has been crossed. We should and could do better to moderate our use of paper, especially for its use in industrial, office, and packaging. When it comes to reading, however, these non-profits and other advocates need to find a better way to release their passion and nervous energy.
Writing, as any art, is a tough industry to enter. Plenty of writers of all genres exist; most write with vigor and voluminously. But few are written. Thanks to the internet, it is easier to get one's work published. You can self-publish; you can write a blog. You can self-publish a collection of one's blog postings.
It would be great if the large publishing houses would do more to use eco-friendly sources in their books. Paper is a great start. But cost-effectiveness, especially to those who are just starting to get their work out, is often key. When it comes to young or budding writers or artists, the recycled paper mavens should back off.
We need to encourage more people to read, to do whatever we can to promote education, and to open ourselves to new ideas. Not one agenda should interfere with anyone's desire to read, and that includes the green mafia.
Let's focus on other carbon footprints: what comes from transportation, heavily polluting industries, agriculture, and construction. We have plenty of low hanging fruit if we will improve our sourcing of paper.
As for an eco-friendly solution to books, there is a very simple one in most neighborhoods. They are called libraries. So if you are into "community," support your local "friends of the library chapter." That is the best way to conserve resources and offer a safe, quite place for folks of any age to explore new ideas and worlds. Libraries desperately need your support and money more than a non-profit with a misfired agenda. Why would anyone donate money to plant some trees abroad when that money can be better used and make a difference locally?
[...] difference. These are the same folks that support marginal causes like an insistence that books be printed on recycled paper. I view such causes (like adamant vegans who want to be accommodated when they [...]