The March issue of The University of Georgia Magazine saved 55 trees, the magazine states.

The magazine decided to “go as far as we can with it as far as being green,” Kelly Simmons, Georgia Magazine’s editor, said.

Editors decided to produce an environmentally friendly issue containing content addressing green issues.

The magazine’s reporters went to several schools throughout campus, such as Ecology, Agriculture and Environmental Design, to see what the students are doing in terms of environmental consciousness.

Simmons said the reporters found a wide range of stories, “a lot more than we could ever put in the magazine.”

“Many different departments were trying to make a difference by promoting special programs,” Simmons said.

The issue includes articles about environmental issues, such as how the University has taken steps to increase the green space on campus. The magazine also discusses how University researchers are developing options for alternative fuels.

Simmons said The Lane Press, which is based in Burlington, Vt., received certification for forest stewardship. This gave the Georgia Magazine the idea to try to meet these standards.

The March issue accomplished this goal by achieving the certification, Simmons said.

She said the paper was made with alternative energy, and a portion of the magazine was made from recycled materials.

According to the magazine, the March issue saved a tremendous amount of energy.

This publication saved 37.9 BTUs, enough to provide about half of one home’s energy needs for one year. It also saved 47,752 pounds of greenhouse gas, the amount produced by about four cars in one year. The magazine reports it saved 19,972 gallons of water and 3,305 pounds of solid waste, which is about half of the amount of solid waste created by about four people in one year.

Despite the success of the March issue, Georgia Magazine does not have plans for another green issue anytime soon due to high production costs.

Simmons said another green issue will not be planned “unless we get some funding.”

She said it would cost more than $20,000 for the entire magazine to go green.

But Simmons said she hopes green issues will become the “norm rather than the expectation.”