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JULY 7, 2005 at 9:30 AM
Posted by GERI
Source: New York Times
Environmental groups Greenpeace and the National Wildlife Federation are asking
Harry Potter fans in the U.S. not to buy the Scholastic version of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince but to instead purchase the book from Canadian publisher Raincoast Books because it is printed on recycled paper.
Raincoast publishes the Harry Potter books on 100% post-consumer recycled paper, whereas Scholastic have disclosed that they use only paper that did not come from ancient or endangered forests.
Ms. Rycroft, campaigns director of Markets Initiative, a conservation group in Canada said:
If we get Harry Potter and the Bible, that pretty much covers the best sellers. Scholastic has failed to really meaningfully step forward to have Harry printed on the most environmentally friendly paper that it can be.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for Scholastic, Ms. Kyle Good commented:
I think the fans who know Scholastic and the people who buy from Scholastic understand that we are an environmentally concerned company and we don't endanger forests ever with the paper we use.
Some larger publishers in the U.S. are concerned about the lack of forest-friendly paper as well as the cost and quality of the paper. Ms. Rowling's agent, Neil Blair from the Christopher Little Literary Agency said the author would not comment on the matter.
If you do choose to order your book from Canada please note that it will cost you $2 more, not including extra shipping costs. You can also check out this story from the BBC.
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Squib
Points: 144
crazyeyes06 says:
Sorry I already bought my book from Scholastic but i am defently not going to buy the book just because of the paper. Did you know JKR did try and save paper because the ffith book was the only book to have 11.5 pt font the rest had 12.
Posted Jul 7, 2005 at 10:38 AM EST
Squib
Points: 110
aidan_b says:
They are to late everybody has already ordered a book.
Posted Jul 7, 2005 at 10:39 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2242
Bexxy says:
I have all the Canadian copies and as for the quality of paper, I can't even tell the difference because it's perfectly fine. As for ordering online, Indigo.ca (Canada's version of Amazon) says you will recieve HBP on the 16th, and if not, the 17th. I'm all for taking the environmentaly friendly route, if I can do my part then that's great.
Posted Jul 7, 2005 at 10:42 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2242
Bexxy says:
Sorry to double post, but another thought..maybe for Americans considering ordering from Canada:
I believe the way our currency works, things are cheaper for Americans to buy here in Canada. So paying the extra two dollars, wouldn't that equal about the same price as buying the American version anyway?
I'm not trying to say to NOT buy your own copies from Scholastic, I just thought of the currency thing.
Posted Jul 7, 2005 at 10:45 AM EST
Witch
Points: 602
danebabe says:
I don't really care if I get the "environmental" friendly book as long as I get it on the 16 so I can stay up all night reading till the morning.
Posted Jul 7, 2005 at 10:46 AM EST
Points: 36
akc says:
This is great! I enjoy collecting non-American editions in all languages, including the Latin and Welsh versions. Just imagine a 100% ALL-recycled edition of HP! Good thing I haven't ordered from anyone. (But if I had, I would've canceled the order anyway.)
Posted Jul 7, 2005 at 10:46 AM EST
Professor
Points: 1154
Natalia Flamel says:
Oh come on! How do you expect that people don't go to the party of the release of HBP, and don't buy the book from Scholastic...
The people just doesn't know what to do for destroy this phenomenon! Why the didn't say anything about the type of paper for the firsts 5 books? or why they didn't say anything for others books? Is just really silly!
Posted Jul 7, 2005 at 10:47 AM EST
Squib
Points: 129
Tonks921 says:
If you think that a bunch of tree hugers are going to keep me away from my preshes HP there siriosly mistaken.
* Angela *
Posted Jul 7, 2005 at 10:54 AM EST
Points: 36
akc says:
From JKR herself (ripped from Raincoast Books website):
"The forest at Hogwarts is home to magical creatures like unicorns and centaurs. Because the Canadian editions are printed on Ancient Forest Friendly paper, the Harry Potter books are helping to save magnificent forests in the muggle world, the home of magical animals such as orangutans, wolves and bears. It is a good idea to respect ancient trees, especially if they have a temper like the Whomping Willow."
Posted Jul 7, 2005 at 10:54 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2242
Bexxy says:
I'm not trying to attack anyone at all, so before I get jumped with defensive remarks, please remember I'm just making an overall observation and not trying to start an arguement.
I can't help but notice how obsessed people are with the HBP. I am SO excited myself for it and obviously this is a fan site completely dedicated to the entire Harry Potter series and everything related. But I don't think any word except "wow" can describe the various comments of
"I don't care if the trees are gone as long as I get my copy" (you'll care when the air quality continues to decline and there aren't enough trees to purify the air. Yes, some trees are replaced as they are cut down but it can take hundreds of years for them to reach the prime growth)
or "why would I want to support Canada?" (support the entire earth by doing your part and show Scholastic that you'll take your money elsewhere unless they do their part too)
I completely understand that so many people have already pre-ordered their copies of the book and obviously I'm not saying to cancel your copy because why would you do that? haha. I'm just giving my two cents.
Posted Jul 7, 2005 at 11:02 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2093
rregan says:
I agree with, why doesnt everyone just by there book from Canada, its cheaper on your part anyway. Every is downing Canada when really we're just trying to help the environment, I am canadian so I already bought my copy from a canadian company, also like bexxy said, your likely to get your copy the same time as you would if you bought a copy from a us company, the perk to all of this is your helping the environment.
Posted Jul 7, 2005 at 11:06 AM EST
Squib
Points: 140
Dark Lord DiG says:
I can understand where they're coming from, but don't you think they should have brought this up about the time they announced you could reserve it? Seriously, next time they should think it thru a little better.
Posted Jul 7, 2005 at 11:08 AM EST
Auror
Points: 4040
Dan's no.1 fan 4ever says:
I think these people need to open their eyes. I understand where they're coming from as it is v. important to look after the environment, but they need to put things into perspective. Earlier today, some terrorists dropped 6 bombs in London. Personally, I think this is much more important that these "National Wildlife" people should concentrate their efforts into solving important issues instead of "Hugging trees" as Michelleypie put it.
Posted Jul 7, 2005 at 11:09 AM EST
Prefect
Points: 384
Hedwig101 says:
Look, people are NOT trying to keep you away from harry potter.... It would be the last thing they want. All they are saying is that if possible TRY to buy from raincoast. And as for the already a done deal thingy, yes the books are printed, but if you buy from scholastic they are going to print more books on non-recycled paper.
I also was a bit offended by a comment that said someting to the effect of no tree hugger is going to keep me away from harry potter... Thats just offensive! Is it really being a tree hugger when you are only trying to do a good and right thing? Grow up people and show some class. I am not telling you to NOT have harry potter and atleast they are sayubg something now, albeit a bit late, instead of never!
Posted Jul 7, 2005 at 11:09 AM EST
Witch
Points: 622
Becky Moody says:
Sorry but I already pre-ordered my book a long time ago. And I'm not going to CANADA to get my book when I can get it down the road at Barnes and Noble.
Posted Jul 7, 2005 at 11:09 AM EST
The Dark Knight
Points: 5789
minister for magic says:
Well I believe all books printed should be good for the environment.
I'm from Canada so I purchased my Harry Potter books from Raincoast so that is good.
CANADA ROCKS!
Posted Jul 7, 2005 at 11:11 AM EST
Points: 67
Narlie Charlie says:
Yeah they are a lot too late. I pre ordered in March. Ordering from Canada isnt a good idea anyway because it would cost $2 more and you wouldnt get the amazon 40% discount. Dont get me wrong, I want to help the enviroment. So I say, "better luck next book"
Posted Jul 7, 2005 at 11:12 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2337
hermionehp120 says:
Well its a very good thing that they care so much and I agree they should have used recycled paper. But they should have said that a tad bit earlier dont you think. We are what a week away and they are bearly telling us.
**GREEN DAY ROCKS!!**
***SAVE THE TREES***
Posted Jul 7, 2005 at 11:12 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2242
Bexxy says:
HAHA, Oh my goodness. I'm loving this thread. There are very few people who are obviously READING through the posts before commenting. Who said you have to GO to Canada to get your copy? You order online. Heck, I wouldn't travel to get my copy!
Dan's no.1 fan 4ever, they have lives. It's called "environmentalist" and are trying to work towards a better and healthier future for you and your children.
It's funny, the people who are are making these comments will be the first to complain in the future when the environment takes a down turn.
Posted Jul 7, 2005 at 11:12 AM EST
Muggle
Points: 34
quikquill says:
They're insane.
I'm getting my book at midnight and nobody's stopping me! mwahaha
Posted Jul 7, 2005 at 11:12 AM EST
Witch
Points: 692
pianogirl101 says:
Well isn't that just a little pathetic. Yeah the book's going to be long, but boycotting it isn't going to change that. Some people are longwinded, that's all. You don't here anyone complaining about Victor Hugo writing a 1222 page novel. Or about War and Peace which was even longer than that. People need to grow up honestly. I'm all for protecting the environment, but not to the point of obsession.
PG
Posted Jul 7, 2005 at 11:14 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2353
Loretta says:
I thought that all the books were printed on recycled paper. I'm disappointed if all the books are not placed on the recycled paper.
Posted Jul 7, 2005 at 11:14 AM EST
Heir of Slytherin
Points: 5499
Spazzingduck says:
The books are already printed, I don't see them whining about all the other books that aren't printed on recycled paper...
Posted Jul 7, 2005 at 11:16 AM EST
Snape's Dream
Points: 3173
Wicked Witch says:
I would order from Canada but I don't know if they give you the book on the day it comes out if you order it. If they don't I wouldn't get it.
Posted Jul 7, 2005 at 11:17 AM EST
Heiress of Gryffindor
Points: 3537
Nienna Narmolanya says:
Hmmm...
They should have approached them a long time ago. I remember the article where Bloomsbury was asked to print the books on enviromentally-friendly paper. They should have asked Scholastic to do the same. Even though I'm against the killing of soo many trees, I'm still gonna buy the Scholastic version - it's soo pretty.
Posted Jul 7, 2005 at 11:20 AM EST
Professor
Points: 1159
princess165 says:
They make a good point but wait a minute. . THEY'RE A LITTLE LATE. It would have been nice to order on recycled paper, but why did they wait to speak up until the last minute. There have been so many preorders already. Also, I know its a good cause but not everybody is going to drop extra money on it- my parents wouldn't and I wouldn't ask them to either. All they are doing now is making a bunch of HP fans feel guilty. There are worse examples of non-recycling, then HP printings.
As far as Scholastic's comments go- I have a feeling these were said more so to deflect bad press then anything else.
Posted Jul 7, 2005 at 11:24 AM EST
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