Magazine publishers back green giveaway of digital issues

by Staff, Brand Republic 25-Sep-08, 12:00

NEW YORK - Digital publisher Zinio has teamed up with several major magazine publishers to launch a free digital subscription giveaway that encourages consumers to think green.

The Read Green Initiative allows readers to receive one of 50m free annual subscriptions to digital versions of over 200 titles, including Elle and Woman's Day.

Zinio launched the initiative, along with publishers such as Bonnier, Hachette Filipacchi and Greenspun, to encourage consumers to save the environment by using digital reading alternatives.

Readers can sign up for the free subscription on The Read Green Initiative website.

Visitors can also choose to buy a digital subscription. A portion of the proceeds for all sales made will be redeemed in exchange for eco-unit credits that will contribute to the greening of school and university grounds, through the planting of trees.

Rich Maggiotto, president and chief executive of Zinio.com, said: "Our research has shown that one of the main reasons consumers enjoy reading digital magazines is because they feel like they are doing something good for the environment.

"The Read Green Initiative will support and embrace this consumer interest as well as introduce the public to a medium that responds to their needs, without affecting the bottom line."