Magazines

Published periodically, magazines have been issued as serial publications since 1731, when The Gentleman's Magazine was first published in London. They are often financed by newsstand purchase, subscriptions, and advertising. The distribution costs for magazines are similar to those of newspapers and are normally paid for by the retail price of the magazine. The bulk of the operating costs and profits from magazines are met by advertising revenues.

Many shoppers' magazines are distributed free of charge. Shoppers' magazines can include periodicals devoted to real estate sales and automotive sales. Some are targeted to people seeking tourist information. The goal is to reach consumers who seek the goods or services offered in the advertising information. This can be thought of as a green activity because it provides consumers with information that would be difficult to obtain otherwise, and it saves them the cost of searching; however, the costs, material inputs, and potential energy invested in producing and distributing such magazines need to be considered.

The cost of the periodicals is not insubstantial, but the sales generated are usually much greater. Environmental critics have pointed out that the average magazine on the newsstands—for example, a weekly news magazine—creates carbon dioxide emissions that have been calculated to amount to over two pounds. This figure is based on the emissions from logging, paper production, shipping, and consumer use. However, recycled paper, especially old newspapers, is used to make the glossy paper used in magazines. The several processes for making glossy paper use recycled newsprint and some virgin material, so recycled newspapers, which are scrap paper, are returned to the consumer as a useable product.

Magazines today can be print magazines or online “e-zines.” A great many magazines are profit-making businesses. These provide customers with all manner of special-interest stories and information. Some magazines are published by nonprofit organizations that may or may not have a public education agenda.

One of the oldest magazines about the environment is National Geographic. It prints stories about physical and human geography. Many of its stories in recent decades have been about environmental problems. Other nature magazines that deal with the environment include publications such as Wildlife, published by the National Wildlife Federation, which also publishes the Ranger Rick, Just for Fun, and Animal Baby nature magazines for children.

[Page 294]Recent years have seen the emergence of numerous magazines aimed at the green market. Green magazines seek to increase societal awareness of the need to live sustainably, act in an environmentally sensitive way, and consider the social and environmental impacts of existing social practices. A number of these magazines have been targeted at consumers with an interest in hunting and fishing. Many hunting organizations are active as conservationists of habitats needed by game animals or fish. Their concerns also may include the introduction of invasive species that threaten native species. In addition to magazines encouraging individuals and households to live and consume sustainably, there are magazines aimed at builders and architects who are seeking to green the built environment.

Green magazines may also be published by government agencies such as the National Park Service. National Parks is a magazine that educates the American public about the history, nature, and conservation needs of the country's national parks. Articles may focus on potential environmental threats from mining, logging, building, or industrial activities.

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