(And why we’re proud to put ink to paper)
In today’s fast-paced digital world, it’s easy to feel like everything is moving online – from books and news to conversations and communities. But amidst all the screen time and scrolling, there’s something rather comforting – even grounding – about picking up a printed magazine, flicking through the pages, and enjoying that unmistakable smell of fresh ink on paper.
At Life In…Magazines, we’re proud to be in print. And while we embrace the benefits of digital where it makes sense, we also believe that printing, when done responsibly, has a really positive story to tell.
So let’s start with paper itself. It’s a humble material, but also a bit of a quiet hero. Many people don’t realise that paper is one of the most sustainable and recyclable materials out there. It’s made from wood – a natural, renewable resource – and the trees grown for paper production are typically sourced from responsibly managed forests. These forests are continuously replanted, carefully maintained and monitored to ensure a healthy balance between use and regeneration.
Paper with purpose
There’s a common misconception that using paper means cutting down trees and harming the environment. But the truth is quite the opposite. In fact, the demand for paper has led to more trees being planted, not fewer. Managed forestry not only ensures trees are replaced, but it also plays a crucial role in carbon capture, water filtration and supporting diverse wildlife habitats.
According to Love Paper, European forests – where most of our paper fibre comes from – have grown by over 58,000 km² between 2005 and 2020. That’s roughly 1,500 football pitches a day! Far from destroying forests, sustainable paper production actually contributes to their growth and health.
Our printing practices – and why they matter
Here at Life In…Magazines, we take our environmental responsibility seriously. As our readers know, we’re all about doing good for the community – and that includes being good to the planet too.
That’s why we only work with trusted, eco-friendly printers who share our values. All the paper used in our publications is FSC® certified, which means it comes from forests managed to the highest environmental and social standards. It’s a guarantee that no shortcuts have been taken, and that forest ecosystems are protected every step of the way.
But it doesn’t stop at the paper. The inks used to print our magazines are just as thoughtful. We use vegetable-based inks, derived from renewable resources like soybeans and linseed oil. These inks are less harmful to the environment than traditional petroleum-based inks – and they look amazing too. Rich colours, sharp images, and that satisfying print finish? All achieved with inks that are kinder to the planet.
Sustainability in every step
As we know, it’s the little things that count. Even the wooden pallets used to transport our magazines are recycled and reused wherever possible. By giving materials a second (or even third!) life, we help reduce waste and keep things moving in a more circular, environmentally-friendly way.
We also keep our print distribution local and efficient. We don’t overproduce, and we work closely with our distribution teams to make sure each magazine goes where it’s needed – into homes, cafés, community spaces and small businesses across the borough.
Planting for the future
One of the things we’re most proud of is our partnership with Time 4 Trees. For every advertiser who books a six-month or longer ad campaign with us, we plant a tree on their behalf. It’s our way of saying thank you – and giving something back.
Each advertiser receives a digital certificate with the GPS coordinates of where their tree is planted, so they can see the real-world impact of their support. Most of our trees are planted in Dartford – a location chosen specifically because of its high pollution levels near the Dartford Crossing. By planting trees there, we’re helping improve air quality and support the local environment.
The power of print
Let’s not forget the beauty of printed media. A magazine isn’t just something to scroll past – it’s something to savour. Print engages the senses – sight, touch, even smell – and research shows that 70% of people say they remember information better when they read it in print compared to on a screen (Two Sides & Toluna 2023).
Printed materials have a lasting presence. They don’t disappear with the click of a button. They sit on kitchen tables, coffee shop counters, waiting room chairs – sparking conversations and building connections long after they’re first read.
And in a world filled with fleeting digital content, there’s something wonderfully grounding about that.
Paper facts worth shouting about
Still not convinced that print can be planet-friendly? These stats speak for themselves:
- 79% of paper and paper-based packaging is recycled in Europe – making it the most recycled material on the continent
- 67% of European consumers say they care about using paper from sustainably managed forests
- 37% actively look for eco-certification labels like FSC® when choosing paper products
- The print industry is responsible for under 1% of EU carbon emissions but provides 180,000 European jobs and generates €115 billion in turnover
(Sources: Love Paper & Two Sides)
A community worth printing for
Our mission at Life In…Magazines has always been to shine a light on the good – whether that’s positive news stories, local heroes, small businesses doing big things or ways to uplift our community. Print helps us do that in a way that’s tangible, trusted and truly local.
So yes, printing has its challenges – but it also has its powerful positives. When done with care and consideration, it’s not only sustainable – it’s worth celebrating.
Because it’s not just about paper. It’s about people. And that’s something worth printing about.