|
|
| Acting locally |
May 5, 2008 |
Some environmental initiatives—like trying to reduce paper use—are tougher when one runs a magazine, but we have found many ways we can help. Similar initiatives can be explored in any office
We planned this green-focused issue a number of months ago and, during this process, our thoughts turned to our business and our own office. We decided that now was a perfect time to ensure we are as green as we can be.
Looking around we found many unexpected challenges and hurdles but we also realized that many changes were more cost effective and easier to implement than we had originally thought. And it turned out that the very stories we were planning for this issue helped form our own thinking here in the office, so below is a list of the steps we worked on and some references to those practical bits in this issue that guided us.
1) Recycling: The first call I made was to Quebecor, our printer, to further explore our options for using recycled paper. What I got was a very informative and lengthy lesson on the various paper stocks, grades, quality levels and cost options that have come along in the last few years, since the last time we selected our stock. I also learned that the de-inking process used to make recycled paper itself creates a potential waste hazard. Like many good environmental impulses, research shows that doing the right thing can be a lot more complicated than you would like.
So we need to do more research here, but as an immediate step we have increased the proportion of recycled material in our pages to 30 per cent. We’re interested in whether you think there is a significant difference in paper quality. This question will be a balancing act for us: we want more recycled material but we also must maintain the quality of our product. We welcome your input on this question.
There are many examples of recycling in the tech industry in this issue. HP, for one, recycled 250 millions tons of hardware and print cartridges last year. See “Saving the world...” on page 28. The same story discusses reclaiming the base materials from old technology.
2) Reuse: For us, the reuse mandate from the 3Rs refers to extending the use of our content without actually printing additional magazines. Our Web site does this by hosting all of the print edition’s content, and it adds content such as blogs, an events calender, a careers section, directory listings, press releases, book reviews, etc. These add some cost to our business but there are now opportunities to work with new sponsors and advertisers, as well as provide more value to readers and advertisers. Check out our site at www.backbonemag.com and let us know what you think.
3) Reduce paper use: This is a tough one for us. Our business is still based on creating and selling magazines, so we cannot reduce our circulation. We like to think that, by educating 350,000-plus readers per issue—and especially in issues such as this one—about how they can reduce their own carbon footprint, we are doing some long-term good.
For example, we have a great story on reducing paper use on page 56 of this issue.
4) Use less heat: This is an easy step, although in my experience many have not taken it. According to the Live Earth organization, lowering a thermostat two degrees saves four per cent on an energy bill and can prevent 500 pounds of CO2 from entering the atmosphere. That means a simple programmable thermostat in our office, which lowers the temperature when no one is there, will help both our budget and the Earth.
5) Reduce lighting: This is also an easy one. We replaced our regular light bulbs with fluorescent (CFL) bulbs. The Union of Concerned Scientists has stated that if every American household replaced just one bulb with a CFL, greenhouse gas production would be reduced by 90 billion pounds annually, the equivalent of taking 6.3 million cars off the road. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finds that each CFL saves a homeowner $30 over the life of the bulb.
So again this one is easy, beneficial and frugal.
6) Reduce overall power usage: There is a potential solution here, but for now it is on the To-Do list. On page 16 of this issue, Jim Harris details the use of intelligent sensors which automatically control lighting and other appliance use based on occupancy and usage patterns. In studies this has reduced energy usage by between 75 and 90 per cent. However, obtaining and deploying these types of sensors will require further research and preparation.
Of course, there are simple and immediate steps available. The first is simply ensuring the computers are turned off each evening. Currently this doesn’t always happen. Also, tenants can ask building management or the utility company for a report card, as many will provide free energy audits to help identify inefficiencies. In addition, many utility companies offer rebate programs to help pay for the cost of energy-efficient upgrades.
7) Travel less: My personal rule in life has been never to commute more than 20 minutes to my office. We’re lucky here at Backbone as most of our staff live nearby and the rest work out of their homes. Biking or walking to work is good for air quality and makes one feel energized and more productive at work.
Sometimes this is not possible, so look at car pooling and public transit.
I will also commit to conducting more conference calls, in lieu of business travel.
8) Drive fuel-efficient cars: I must admit, I drive a gas-guzzling SUV and I’ve felt guilty about it for quite some time. I had planned to replace it, but this too is not simple. I could buy a fuel-efficient car but is this, on balance, an environmental win? Each step that gets that new car to me—manufacturing, shipping and assembling the parts, shipping the actual car—uses energy and natural resources. So getting rid of a serviceable car may not be as positive a move as it seems.
There are opinions on both sides of this question, and again I will have to conduct more research. My preference, though, is to drive a more responsible vehicle.
Soon, of course, we may be driving electric cars. See news of the Chevy Volt on page 58.
9) Conserve water: This one is often tough for most Canadians to comprehend, as we have numerous huge fresh water lakes and so much snow melt or, in Vancouver, rain. However, the worldwide supply is actually quite limited and many areas suffer severe shortages or outright drought. Again, see Jim Harris’ story about using intelligent irrigation systems to reduce water consumption by 70 per cent. Simple rules we have at our house (not the office) include drink more but flush less.
10) Buy domestic: Again, a tough one. I personally like imported food, wine, beer, furniture, cars, etc. We don’t have as many choices for Canadian electronic products, for example, but certainly there are strong local options for food, drink, furniture, and often clothing. I have to laugh when I see tourists in Whistler buying bottled water from France for $3 when the local tap water is better, fresher, takes less effort to get there and is free. So we will make the switch to domestic wine, beer, furniture and, of course, magazines.
This issue is full of tips which can help deliver a greener future. Realizing that future starts with each of us making some daily lifestyle changes.
Steve Dietrich
Publisher
sdietrich@backbonemag.com
|
|
|
| Top 300 Issue |
 
|
| Gadget of the Week (Canadian) |
|
Nav, with 3D maps
Navigon 7100
All GPS devices perform the same basic functions: supplying turn-by-turn directions and highlighting area restaurants, hotels, etc. So selecting your device comes down to deciding which extra features matter to you.
more>>
|
| Gadget of the Week (Japanese) |
Sounds of Japan
Why record just the visual when you can capture the sounds as well.
more>> |
| Backblog RSS feed |
Click to subscribe  |
|
sponsored by 
