Today's Book Show on Australia's ABC Radio National examined sustainable publishing in Australia:

Each year, vast quantities of books are printed and purchased in Australia. But have you ever wondered where all the paper for these books comes from?

Well, with awareness growing about sustainability in agriculture, architectural design and in town planning, sustainability has become a focus in the publishing industry too. So, just how environmentally responsible is the printing and publishing industry in Australia?

The show points out that Australia is lagging behind the US and Europe in the adoption of sustainable publishing practices.

There is a lack of FSC-certified paper (imported and produced) in Australia according to Michael Spencer, CEO of the Forest Stewardship Council Australia. There are also a lack of printers who have obtained FSC chain of custody certification.

The cost of sustainable paper and perceived quality issues are also barriers for many within the Australian printing industry according to the report.

The show is available here http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/rn/podcast/current/audioonly/bsw_20071101.mp3. The sustainable publishing segment is about half way in.