Poets & Writers, "From Inspiration to Publication"

[Keaty Gross]

As a magazine for creative writers, published by an arts-based nonprofit organization, Poets & Writers Magazine believes they have certain environmental and social values to uphold. They continually take steps to improve their footprint in terms of magazine production and day-to-day office practices. We spoke with Managing Editor, Suzanne Pettypiece, about how they were finally able to make the change to recycled paper and what benefits they've seen so far.



Was there a specific inspiration behind your decision to print on recycled paper, or was this always a goal of the publication?

Poets & Writers Magazine started using our recycled cover and body stocks with the January/February 2009 issue, but it's always been a goal. Like a lot of small magazines, we initially thought we had to depend on our printer for leverage in getting the most competitive paper prices, but our printer wasn't able to offer us an affordable recycled stock.

After attending a round table discussion with Better Paper Project, Shape, Good, and several other magazines, we learned that buying paper through a broker might present us with more affordable options. It took a lot of legwork, but through referrals from other magazines we finally found a good match for us.

All departments—editorial, advertising, and circulation—contributed to the process. We were all invested in making the switch to an eco-friendly paper.

How did you go about finding a paper and printer to suit your needs?

We chose our printer, Publishers Press, through an extensive bid process. For the paper, we researched and spoke with many different brokers recommended to us by Paper Project magazines, and ultimately found an environmentally conscience broker who took our commitment to moving to a respectable recycled stock seriously. Dermot Burke of Gould Papers helped us settle on Connections Satin from Myllykoski, which not only met our quality standards but was within our tight budget constraints.

A couple of times throughout the research process, we also met with Frank Locantore of Better Paper Project for his advice and insight, which was immensely helpful.

How has your supply chain reacted to your environmental commitment (before and after the economic downturn)?

Since the economic downturn our printer has offered more recycled stocks and is now printing with soy inks. Gould Paper continues to monitor the various recycled stock options for us, keeping in mind our budget constraints and commitment to the environment.

Did you make an announcement about your recycled paper decision?

We wrote about the paper switch in our January/February Editor's Note and held a launch party at a local green art space. We also continue to print the breakdown in the masthead every issue.

Are there anecdotes or data that demonstrate a real benefit to Poets & Writers Magazine after making the switch to recycled paper?

We've received letters from potential subscribers asking about the paper—not just if we're on recycled paper, but the specific breakout of post-consumer content. It's gratifying to be able to respond with the specifics so they can feel good about their decision to subscribe to our magazine.

Are there aspects of your production that you are hoping to make more sustainable in the future?

We're always looking for ways to lessen our impact on the environment. One way we hope to do this is by staying on top of what our vendors are doing and supporting and encouraging them in their efforts.

What advice do you have for others to maintain or implement environmental commitments in the current economic climate?

The initial research and time spent might seem like a burden, particularly for smaller magazines, but—as was the case for us—you'll most likely end up learning beneficial strategies that can lead to substantial savings.