Harry Potter goes green

Publishers in 16 countries have turned to eco-friendly paper for the printing of J.K. Rowling’s seventh and final installment in her boy-wizard series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Rowling’s newest novel is being heralded by environmentalists as the greenest book in publishing history. According to a watchdog group, the series of books has pushed paper companies to develop eco-friendly products and spurred 300 publishers to adopt environmental policies that protect ancient forests.

The English-language editions of the book alone reportedly will save an estimated 197,000 trees. Canada-based Raincoast Books was the first publisher to print the series on forest-friendly paper back in 2003 with the release of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, opting for 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper.