(Nashville, TN) Thomas Nelson, Inc. announced today their new environmental plan and paper policy that will dramatically improve environmental impacts. The company’s environmental initiative was developed in consultation with the Green Press Initiative and outlines aggressive measures including reducing paper consumption, increasing the use of recycled paper, supporting best practices in forest management, and creating awareness and educational programs for employees, customers, and suppliers.

“As the world’s largest Christian publisher, it is our responsibility to protect the resources God has bestowed upon us,” stated Michael S. Hyatt, President & CEO of Thomas Nelson. “Our vision is to dramatically reduce our carbon footprint over the next five years and lead the publishing industry in creating revolutionary ways to be both environmentally sustainable and profitable.”

Thomas Nelson plans to reduce paper consumption by at least thirty percent (30%) by the year 2012 through the development of innovative methods to more accurately match the supply printed with consumer demand.

Thomas Nelson will also increase the amount of recycled content in all of the processes related to manufacturing their products. By 2012, Thomas Nelson will endeavor to use an average of at least thirty percent (30%) recycled fiber of which a majority is post consumer. The company also is working to eliminate the use of paper that may contain fiber from endangered and old growth forest areas. At least twenty percent (20%) of paper for domestic consumption will come from forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The FSC is considered by most environmental advocacy groups to be the most responsible, stringent guideline of sustainable forest management certifications.

Lastly, Thomas Nelson is committed to create awareness and education programs for their suppliers, employees, and customers. The company has created an environmental task force that is responsible for continuing in the development of the long-term sustainability plan, educating employees on ways to contribute to conservation efforts, working with suppliers and customers to create green awareness campaigns, and implementing company-wide guidelines for reducing the carbon-footprint.

“These environmental goals are significant and will help improve both Thomas Nelson’s and the industry’s impacts on climate, forests, and people,” said Tyson Miller, Director of the Green Press Initiative. “We are hopeful that this leadership will motivate other Christian publishers to follow suit.”

For Thomas Nelson’s complete environmental policy, visit www.thomasnelson.com/green.

Contact:
Lindsey Nobles
Director of Corporate Communications
tel: (615) 902-1109
cell: (615) 476-5984
lnobles@thomasnelson.com