For the planet and children. #適応しよう
MY STELLA supports the "#適応しよう" campaign (https://adaptation-platform.nies.go.jp/tekiou/) sponsored by the National Institute for Environmental Studies' Center for Climate Change Adaptation to protect the earth where children who will lead the future can live with peace of mind.
We actively adopt environmentally friendly materials through the production of picture books, and we value sustainability in the production process. I want to nurture a society where children can have hope for their own future, starting with small reading time between parents and children. That's what MY STELLA wants.
In an era where the impact of climate change is increasing, we would like to nurture children to value both their future and the global environment through reading experiences at home.
What is the "#適応しよう" campaign?
The "#適応しよう" campaign is an initiative to expand "adaptation actions" to each and every citizen to live comfortably in response to the impact of current and future climate change.
The National Institute for Environmental Studies' Center for Climate Change Adaptation aims to realize a future where people can live comfortably in a changing environment by compiling "adaptation actions," which are wisdom for actions that citizens can choose based on the latest scientific knowledge, and by expanding a variety of options in society together with supporting partners.
The campaign proposes 15 adaptation actions consisting of five categories: "lifestyle adaptation", "food adaptation", "housing adaptation", "sports and leisure adaptation", and "other adaptations" as behavioral wisdom for living comfortably.
MY STELLA practices 6 of these 15 adaptive actions.
MY STELLA's "6 Adaptive Actions"
01 Let's live comfortably even in the heat
In recent years, the extreme heat in summer has had a significant impact on children's health. As the time for outdoor play is limited and the risk of heat stroke increases, how to create time for parents and children to spend time safely has become a major issue.
MY STELLA supports the creation of time for parents and children to spend time safely and enrichingly by proposing reading time in a cool room.
Picture books are an important tool for fostering children's imagination and deepening the bond between parents and children. In today's world, where we spend more time surrounded by digital devices, we want to convey the joy of thinking, imagining, and creating, and the importance of spending time with parents and children through physical picture books.
03 Let's acquire disaster prevention know-how / 04 Let's stock up on disaster prevention goods
The impact of climate change has led to an increase in natural disasters such as guerrilla torrential rains and typhoons. As a company and as a family member, it's important to prepare for disasters. Iizuka Printing, which operates MY STELLA, has formulated a business continuity plan (BCP) and has a system in place to continue its business even in the event of a disaster. It is a preparation to fulfill our social responsibility as a printing business and at the same time keep our promises to our customers. It is also essential to prepare daily disaster prevention goods. We are also working to improve disaster prevention awareness on a daily basis, such as confirming means of communication with family members, understanding evacuation sites, and preparing emergency stockpiles. By preparing for unexpected situations, we are building up the power to protect the future of our children.
07 Use energy efficiently
MY STELLA's picture books are produced using state-of-the-art print-on-demand technology, rather than traditional offset printing. Print-on-demand is a method of printing only the required number of copies when needed. As a result, the large amount of "yarn" (trial printing and defective products during printing adjustments) that occurred in conventional printing is almost zero, and the waste of paper resources can be greatly reduced. The latest high-efficiency printing machines ensure high-quality printing while minimizing energy consumption. While reducing the environmental impact, we carefully create picture books with children's names on each book. That's the printing style of MY STELLA. In addition, the body paper is made of bagasse pulp and FSC certified paper.
Bagasse pulp is made from sugar cane pomace, which is produced in large quantities during the sugar production process. By effectively utilizing resources that were previously discarded, we can reduce the cutting of new wood and reuse resources without wasting them. FSC certified paper is also an international certification that indicates that the paper is produced from well-managed forests. By producing paper in a sustainable way while protecting the forest ecosystem, we can pass on the beautiful forests to future generations.
By combining these environmentally friendly materials with the latest on-demand printing technology, MY STELLA is reducing the environmental impact of the entire printing process and creating energy-efficient products. Utilizing our experience and technology as a printing company with a history of 70 years, we are particular about the texture and feel of the paper while creating picture books that are environmentally friendly.
08 Use limited water carefully
Consideration for water resources is also essential in the printing process. Since a lot of water is used in the paper manufacturing process, choosing sustainable materials also helps conserve water resources.
MY STELLA minimizes its impact on water resources by actively using materials with a low environmental impact, such as bagasse pulp and FSC-certified paper. We also employ eco-friendly printing techniques and emphasize sustainability throughout the entire production process.
In addition, we support tree planting activities with environmental partners. Forests play an important role in storing and purifying water. We are accumulating what we can do one by one to pass on the beautiful earth to the children who will lead the future.
15 Let's adapt, participate, and share
MY STELLA is widely disseminating its environmental initiatives through its endorsement of the "#適応しよう" campaign. Adapting to climate change starts with small actions of each person. We continue to work to nurture children and families a "heart that cares for the environment" through the creation of picture books. We also hope to share these initiatives widely with society to create opportunities for more people to participate in adaptation actions.
Overall picture of MY STELLA's environmental considerations
MY STELLA is widely disseminating its environmental initiatives through its endorsement of the "#適応しよう" campaign.
In addition, 1% of the proceeds from the picture books sold are donated through the certified NPO Room to Read Japan to help children around the world develop basic literacy skills and acquire life skills that promote gender equality.
There are still many children in the world who have not yet been exposed to the joy of reading. We are paying attention to this current situation and contributing to supporting the education of children around the world with each MY STELLA picture book published.
In addition, MY STELLA's picture books are carefully crafted to ensure that children can handle them safely and comfortably. The easy-to-hold size, wire-free binding, and rounded corner design make it an original picture book that adopts a universal design that prioritizes children's safety.
The thread sewing machine binding is designed to open 180 degrees flat and allow children to easily turn the pages. This binding method makes the picture book more durable and can be enjoyed repeatedly. As an "important thing" that deepens the bond between parents and children, we are particular about ease of use and durability, and aim to be a book that supports the precious time of parents and children while feeling the warmth of paper.
What we can do now for the children of the future
In an era where the impact of climate change is increasing, I would like to nurture children through reading experiences at home that make them feel that both their future and the global environment are important. That's what MY STELLA wants.
By choosing sustainable materials such as bagasse pulp and FSC-certified paper, and adopting environmentally friendly printing, we put "responsibility for the future" into each personalized picture book. And with each picture book published, it also contributes to supporting the education of children around the world.
MY STELLA was born out of the desire for all children to find their own "shining star" and rely on it to move forward into the future. To find the unshakable star that guides you. I believe that this will be an important compass for children to gain confidence and develop a rich mind.
We will continue to take small steps to protect the future of children and the global environment.
Click here for the official website of the "#適応しよう" campaign
https://adaptation-platform.nies.go.jp/everyone/campaign/index.html
