Optometry Today goes plastic free
AOP’s journal takes further step to reduce environmental footprint
The journal is adopting a new, eco-friendly compostable and degradable wrap, used to mail the publication to members and subscribers. This will replace the existing plastic polywrap that OT is delivered in. The polywrap, which is made from starches that are produced by potatoes and corn, is an eco-friendly product that biodegrades fully within three months.
The decision reflects the increasing importance we place on being environmentally responsible and sustainable.
Since 2015 OT has been printed using FSC accredited paper, which is the only wood certification scheme endorsed by major environmental charities including The Woodland Trust. The FSC label guarantees that the paper used is sourced from trees that are replaced or allowed to regenerate naturally.
Other existing eco-friendly initiatives by the AOP include all our publications and materials being FSC certified, mixed recycling within our office and our food waste is converted into biogas, through waste management company Paper Round, to generate renewable electricity. We’ve also recently replaced disposable cups with reusable ones in all our conference and meeting rooms.
OT Editor, John White, explained: “Green thinking has become increasingly important to the optics industry, as OT revealed in its November 2017 edition, which took a close look at innovation being led by practitioners and industry suppliers alike. Inspired by the movement to reduce the use of plastic, the AOP has been exploring ways in which we can play our part. The starch-based wrap is a great product that is new to the publishing industry, and we are delighted to be able to pioneer its use in OT.”
Mr White added: “Members and subscribers who receive OT will be able to dispose of the eco-friendly polywrap by placing it with their compost, garden or general waste. This directly addresses the issue around creating products that cannot be recycled and will simply sit in landfill. Combining sustainable paper printing with the starch-based polywrap, the journal is now fully recyclable.”
OT will begin using the starch-based polywrap from the September edition.
Members and subscribers interested in this topic can access online articles which include steps that practitioners can take to check that frames are produced sustainably and tips for contact lens packaging recycling.