Some people think that going green is just a fad, but the reality is much more serious than it seems at first glance.
Modern companies are trying to meet “green” requirements, thus fulfilling their social responsibility. The transition to sustainable business management also brings hidden benefits, often felt by the companies in the long run. This trend is becoming increasingly evident in various industries and trade.
For example, many companies associated with the book industry have already chosen the “green” path, and several well-known companies have demonstrated commitment to consciousness and an environmentally friendly approach as the basis of their activities.
Transition to Sustainable Development
Before we move on to specific stories about major players in the book market, let’s take a look at the main features of an environmentally friendly business. Each company’s transition to sustainability can be driven by different reasons. Here are the most common ones:
- Consumer demand. An increasing number of company clients are refusing to buy products made from non-ecological materials, preferring various alternatives. Noticing the changing needs of their clients, companies adapt to meet them. For example, it’s due to consumer demand that coffee shops have begun to refuse plastic straws and cups, and this is only part of such initiatives. In addition, buyers are now willing to pay more for those goods and services that are more environmentally friendly. Naturally, they will choose those companies that can offer them such services or products.
- Compliance with legal standards. In some countries, the government introduces laws regulating sustainable development. For example, some countries are banning the use of disposable plastic, and companies must follow it. In general, there has been a significant increase in green policy around the world over the past few years. According to experts, this trend will continue to grow and impact all industries in the future. Thus, government regulation also influences the fact that companies are switching to the “green” side.
- Significant budget savings. By implementing various energy efficiency measures, as well as refusing large amounts of plastic, companies can significantly reduce their expenses. For example, they can save on utilities, which is an additional benefit.
- Improved brand reputation in the market. Modern consumers are more likely to choose a company that prioritizes environmental sustainability. Such companies are perceived as responsible and caring.
- Creation of an additional competitive advantage. By choosing to become environmentally friendly, a company can more easily position itself as a market leader, while those brands that do not pay attention to this aspect can be left behind. In terms of competition and attracting an audience, choosing the “green” path can be a really important step for a business owner.
These are the main reasons that motivate companies to become more environmentally friendly. However, each company has its own unique story of such a transition. Now, check out the green principles of the companies you may already be familiar with.
Companies that are taking a green approach
In general, environmental responsibility is an important component of business for a huge number of companies today. This issue is actively addressed not only by large international corporations but also by small startups. For example, the environmental aspect is also extremely important for those companies whose activities are related to the book industry. We will introduce you to some companies that are guided by “green” principles in their operations and activities and popularize them among their audience.
Penguin Random House
“Our global policy on sustainable sourcing and production reflects our values of conservation, and our actions in offices around the world allow us to address the diverse environmental issues that different regions face.”
Penguin Random House is one of the world's largest publishers of English-language books. The company has publicly stated that the paper they use for publishing is obtained from environmentally friendly raw materials. The brand has also announced its goal to become climate-neutral by 2023. To achieve this goal, the company has already reduced carbon emissions by 65% over the past five years. Another important “green” fact about Penguin Random House is that they used 80% green electricity in 2021.
BooksRun
“BooksRun is all about books. We strive to be your first choice for buying, renting, and selling books at reasonable prices. Caring for people and the planet, we put book reuse at the heart of our business.”
BooksRun was founded in 2014 to help students and graduates looking for textbooks find affordable and sustainable solutions. From a small startup, it has grown into a large company that has developed its “green” principles and strictly follows them. In particular, the BooksRun team gives books a second chance and makes an important contribution to the zero waste movement. They believe that reusing books helps not only save trees but also reduces the cost of education, so they offer their online platform and book-selling, buying, and renting services for everyone in search of a sustainable solution. Customers also receive points for buying or renting books on this platform, and they can use these points to donate to plant new trees and help the planet.
Better World Books
“We are improving the world, one book at a time, making a difference with every purchase made through donations and environmental programs.”
Better World Books is a well-known American online store of used and new books. This company has been around since 2022, and its founders were students at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana. The main mission of this platform is to collect and sell books online to fund literacy initiatives around the world. Hundreds of thousands of tons of books have been sent by the company for recycling. Moreover, by transporting goods with zero carbon emissions, the company has been able to reduce its carbon footprint.
Patagonia
“We are working towards 100% renewable energy for our own and managed stores, offices, and distribution centers around the world.”
Patagonia is known to most consumers as a clothing company. But this is not the only area of its activities. This brand pays a lot of attention to environmental topics and thus publishes books on sustainability and green living. Patagonia's environmental efforts also include significant projects to reduce carbon emissions, such as decarbonizing transportation, conserving water, removing toxins in its supply chain, and reducing emissions when and where possible.
New Society Publishers
“We are committed to building a sustainable and equitable society through education and action.”
This publisher is also known for paying special attention to minimizing its impact on the environment. In particular, New Society Publishers books are printed on 100% recycled paper, and eBooks include a Guide to Responsible Digital Reading. The publisher has been carbon neutral since 2005 and is also a certified B Corporation.
Chelsea Green Publishing
“Chelsea Green publishes authors who inspire readers to become more effective environmentalists.”
The company is a leading publisher of books on organic farming, gardening, health, natural building, sustainable living, socially responsible business, and more. These books bring practical knowledge about various sustainability-focused industries to a wide audience. This drives more people to become more conscious and caring, helping them integrate eco-friendly practices into their daily lives. And now, Chelsea Green continues the tradition of publishing the works of authors who are at the forefront of all these ideas and practices.
Thrift Books
"Whether we donate books or volunteer our time, we focus on popularizing reading and its benefits in the world."
ThriftBooks is the world's largest independent online seller of used books. Since its inception, the company has sold more than 160 million used and new books. For many years, they have been purchasing books from charities, which allowed them to fund other essential programs. ThriftBooks recycles millions of books every year, which not only saves trees but also saves water and energy and significantly reduces air pollution.
Conclusion
Overall, by choosing the path of sustainability and following the rules of eco-friendliness, companies can receive several benefits. For one thing, they can significantly reduce utility costs; for another, they can increase customer loyalty to the brand and its products or services. Companies that position themselves as environmentally friendly attract more customers and can use this as their positive feature.
Any business planning to review its principles and practices and start on the “green” path, should start with small steps. Yet, the sooner you do it, the better, since this is the surest way to expand the audience, increase brand loyalty, and gain an additional competitive advantage. As for book publishing companies and other brands related to the book industry, they seem to be keeping up with the general trend. According to experts, environmentally friendly book publishing will actively develop and gain new momentum.
