Top 5 Tips for Reducing Your Carbon Footprint (Including Print on Demand Self-Publishing)

Before you published your book (or while you’re in the process of doing so), did/have you ever considered the negative impact that the printing of your book could have on the environment? Have you ever thought of how many trees die for the sake of unsold books that clutter your house or valuable shelf space in your local bookstore? As an author in times with so many technological advances, print-on-demand self-publishing is quite possibly the route you’ve taken/will be taking. Because of this, you don’t have to worry so much with the negative affects that your book can have on the environment.

With Earth Day right around the corner (April 22), now is the time to re-evaluate your regular activities to determine where you can cut back to reduce your carbon footprint. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Publish your book to be printed/distributed using Print-on-Demand technology.

2. Recycle paper, plastic, and aluminum. You can find your local recycling center HERE.

3. Support companies that have “Gone Green”. Usually they will use more energy efficient lighting, print less documents (i.e. paperless systems), and have recycling bins on campus.

4. Use public transportation or walk. Instead of damaging the environment with gases from your vehicle, walk to your destination (when possible) and/or catch the bus/subway.

5. Sign up for e-billing/paperless statements through your bank or credit union. You can call your local branch to see if this is offered.

6. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website to learn more about reducing your carbon footprint.

What things are you doing to be more environmentally-conscious (not just on Earth Day — but everyday)? 

ABOUT WENDY STETINA: Wendy Stetina is a sales and marketing professional with over 30 years experience in the printing and publishing industry. Wendy works as the Director of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; and together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process in order to help them publish the book of their dreams. Whether you are a professional looking to take your career to the next level with platform-driven non-fiction, or a novelist seeking fame, fortune, and/or personal fulfillment, Wendy Stetina can put you on the right path.