The Gemological Institute of America said that The Loupe, GIA World News Fall 2008 issue, will be its first-ever online-only issue. This “green” issue supports the Institute’s environmentally friendly initiative. It is scheduled to be available by Oct. 24.

The fall 2008 online-only issue will address steps GIA has taken over the years to be “green,” the initiatives of its employee-driven green team and what it hopes to accomplish in the future, GIA said in a statement. The Loupe also invited 10 guest columnists to address the social, environmental, and ethical issues of the industry faces today, including improved working conditions for artisanal miners, consumer interest in fair trade jewelry, the retailers’ perspective, including legal and ethical issues, and the importance of sustainability. 

Since this issue will not be printed in hard copy, it will save nearly 300 trees, 125,000 gallons of water and prevent 14 tons of greenhouse gases from polluting the atmosphere, GIA estimates.

 “We believe it’s imperative to be environmentally responsible and save on essential earth resources,” said Amanda Luke, editor of The Loupe.

To be notified when the online-only fall issue is available, log on to http://LoupeOnline.gia.edu/subscribe and provide your e-mail address. A link will be e-mailed when online issue is published. Subscribers will receive all future issues online–in addition to the print issue–unless they discontinue the printed version.

The next printed issue of The Loupe will be winter 2009, which will mail in January 2009.

JCK