Just in time for Earth Day, two new "environment-friendly" magazines have been launched. Hearst Magazines debuts The Daily Green, and Washington Post/Newsweek has launched Sprig.
Both titles, from major magazine publishers, are online-only publications. Neither will have a print edition.
Sprig's publisher, according to Mediaweek, says a decided advantage is lower costs than producing a print magazine: no trees eaten, no printing costs, and no distribution costs to send it via mail or for placement on newsstands.
Sprig, which stands for "stylish people are into green," will focus on green consumerism. The target audience is women, and it will provide 
information on environment-friendly products for the home, beauty, fashion and technology. The new magazine will also have updated news, original video content and user-generated content.
Sprig wants to serve a broader range of people than the hard-core environmentalists. Their mission, wisely, is "to convince 95% of people to be 5% green, rather than getting 5% of people to be 95% green." Sounds like a smart and viable goal. It's one that could make good business sense as well. since, according to Mediaweek, many advertisers are looking for "green" media outlets.
A quick look at both new magazines makes me think The Daily Green is aimed at a broader audience, to include men as well. It doesn't look quite as flashy as Sprig, but it includes features like a blogroll and a daily debate.
Not to be outdone by upstarts, National Geographic yesterday launched Green.NationalGeographic.com. It will have 2,000 pages of environmental articles and information, with videos and ideas for green travel and activities. Viewing it, however, makes you think it's just another part of the National Geographic's overall website, which it may well be.
All should be interesting to keep an eye on.