CAT – Centre for the Alternative Technology

Posted on May 8, 2014 Updated on May 8, 2014

CAT is an eco-centre, based in Wales, dedicated to the education and promotion of practical solutions for sustainability. A mega complex as well as a mega organisation, CAT was founded in 1973, and covers a wide range of areas regarding sustainable living, from environmental building to renewable energy.

Despite being particularly known for its courses and facilities – for example, a large visitor centre with several attractions (photovoltaic pannels, windmills…) and Britain’s largest green bookshop – the reason why I chose to include it in my list of green publishers was due to the green policy of CAT Publications.

All the books printed by this publisher follow the environmental policy of its eco-organisation, and therefore are ethically green. The publisher prints its books locally, “within a fifty mile radius”, and “never uses printers based outside mainland Britain”. According to Graham Preston, Production designer at CAT, the publisher only uses recycled or FSC accredited paper, and works with printers, suppliers and distributors with sound environmental policies. He declares: “It might cost us a bit more but we stick to our guns on this. It’s all about making publishers aware of their damage and encouraging everyone to do their bit.” (The Bookseller, 26/09/2008).

Image credit: CAT