Is New Society Publishers ethical?

Overview

New Society Publishers is an activist media company that has been at the forefront of the sustainability movement for over 40 years. Founded with the mission to build a more just and sustainable world, the company focuses on publishing books that promote ecological health, social justice, and sustainable living. Unlike traditional publishing houses that prioritize mass-market appeal, New Society maintains a selective catalog focusing on practical tools for social change, ranging from permaculture and renewable energy to progressive politics and cooperative economics. As a Certified B Corporation, the publisher operates with a legal commitment to balance profit with purpose, ensuring that their internal governance reflects the values printed in their books.

Certifications

The brand holds several high-level ethical certifications that validate their claims. Most notably, they are a Certified B Corporation, which involves a rigorous assessment of their impact on workers, customers, community, and environment. They were the first publishing house in North America to become carbon neutral, a status they have maintained since 2005. Furthermore, their physical products carry the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, ensuring that the paper used in their printing processes originates from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits.

Animal testing & vegan range

As a media and publishing company, New Society Publishers does not conduct or commission animal testing for any of its products. While their primary output is information, they ensure that the physical materials used—such as inks and adhesives—align with their broader environmental ethics. Their catalog includes an extensive range of vegan and plant-based lifestyle guides, cookbooks, and ethical philosophy books, making them a primary resource for the vegan community. They do not use leather or animal-derived materials in their standard bookbinding processes.

Sustainability pledges

Sustainability is not a secondary objective for New Society; it is their core business model. They have pledged to remain a carbon-neutral company, offsetting their entire carbon footprint including staff travel and office energy use. A cornerstone of their sustainability strategy is their 'Acid-Free, 100% Post-Consumer Recycled Paper' policy. By using 100% recycled paper for the majority of their titles, they significantly reduce the demand for virgin wood pulp, saving thousands of trees and millions of gallons of water annually. They also utilize vegetable-based inks, which are less harmful to the environment and easier to de-ink during the recycling process.

Sourcing & labor

New Society Publishers emphasizes transparency in their supply chain. They prioritize printing in North America to minimize shipping distances and support local labor markets that adhere to strict safety and wage regulations. By maintaining close relationships with their printers, they ensure that the workers involved in the physical production of their books are treated fairly. Internally, the company operates as an employee-owned structure through an Employee Trust, which empowers staff members to have a direct stake in the company's success and governance, fostering a collaborative and equitable workplace culture.

Controversies context

There are no major ethical controversies, lawsuits, or significant labor disputes on record for New Society Publishers. The company has avoided the typical pitfalls of the publishing industry, such as predatory author contracts or environmentally damaging distribution practices. Their long-standing reputation for integrity is supported by their consistently high scores in ethical consumer guides and B Corp impact assessments. They remain a transparent entity that proactively addresses their environmental footprint before issues arise.

Bottom line

For consumers seeking knowledge on how to live more sustainably, New Society Publishers is the most ethically sound choice in the market. Their 94/100 ethics rating reflects a deep-seated commitment to the planet that goes far beyond surface-level marketing. When you purchase a book from New Society, you are supporting a carbon-neutral, employee-owned business that treats the physical act of bookmaking with as much care as the radical ideas contained within the pages.