Goodman Games Sustainability Updates

Goodman Games is committed to sustainability and sustainable publishing. We produce a great many books every year, and “dead tree editions” of our products shouldn’t be a laughing matter. That is why we take our responsibility to the natural world seriously and have taken steps to ensure we have a more ecologically sustainable footprint.

This page will feature updates on products and procedures in-line with the goal of sustainable publishing.

Sustainability in Book Production

Starting in 2024, almost all Goodman Games books are printed using non-toxic vegetable inks, which minimize the impact on groundwater during production and alter stages. In addition, we manufacture almost all of our books using FSC-certified materials with the goal of environmental sustainability. FSC-certified publications use sustainably harvested paper, as explained more detail below. With many more publications in the works utilizing FSC-certified materials, going forward this will make for more ecologically sustainable printing practices—with no sacrifice in quality. Dozens of Goodman Games titles have now been printed on FSC papers, including Dark Tower, Grimtooth’s Traps, XCCRPG, Tomes of Adventure, Compendiums of Dungeon Crawls, and many more. Look for the FSC logo on the back cover of our products for verification. The logo is usually near the bar code. This logo can only be applied by the printer, based on the certification they’ve received from the Forest Sustainability Council.

A selection of Goodman Games” skinny adventures” printed with FSC certification.
A selection of Goodman Games hardcovers printed with FSC certification.

What is the FSC? The Forest Stewardship Council is involved with educational and stewardship initiatives to ensure that businesses, individuals, and organizations have access to information and strategies to minimize their impact on the environment. FSC-certified products have been ensured as following sustainable harvesting methods, using more environmentally sound materials and methods.

In order to maintain healthy and sustainable forests — which provide everything from crucial habitats for wildlife to climate regulation and air filtering — FSC monitors usage and procedures to ensure that environmentally sound practices are used in the harvesting and maintenance of green spaces:

FSC-certified forests have Environmental, Economic, and Social Benefits.

  • Zero Deforestation
    • Although trees are harvested, there is no net loss of forest over time.
  • Environmental Protection
    • FSC certification requires biodiversity to be maintained, and high conservation value areas – including old growth forests – to be protected
  • Indigenous Peoples’ rights respected
    • FSC certification requires forest inhabitants to be consulted and engaged, and cultural rights to be maintained
  • Fair wage and work environment for workers
    • FSC certification requires training, safety and decent wages for all workers