How to Be An Eco-Friendly Reader
Good stories can inspire us, teach us, and make us more empathetic. They have the power of transporting us to other places and expanding our minds. Over the past year, we’ve shared some of our favorite green publications with you along with excellent perspectives by authors of color. Now, just in time for National Book Lovers Day, we’re sharing ways you can celebrate your love of literature sustainably. Find a cozy spot, grab a cup of coffee, and get ready to indulge your inner bookworm.
1. Support Your Local Library
You don’t need to purchase every book you read. Become a cardholder instead, and watch new worlds unfold. Not only will you patronize a building that provides other benefits to your community, you’ll have rows and rows of free literature at your fingertips. If you don’t end up enjoying a particular choice, there’s no commitment—simply put it back and check out another!
2. Host a Book Swap
This option improves the environment and provides an opportunity for you to get together with family and friends. You can share your favorite stories with each other, and at the same time, pick up something different that you might not have read otherwise. Once everyone has finished their selections, you can take turns discussing your favorite parts.
3. Shop Secondhand
Having your most cherished stories tucked away at home can be highly comforting. There’s no need to completely abandon your collection in order to save the planet, and of course, it’s important to support your favorite authors by purchasing their latest releases. Just do your best to buy used copies whenever you can. Many local shops have entire sections devoted to the cause, and you may even have a Little Free Library near you.
4. Keep It Local
As mentioned above, it’s important to stand behind your neighborhood booksellers. These days, you can visit them in person or reserve your purchases online, and by doing so, you’re doing more than just keeping a small business alive. You’re lowering your carbon footprint by avoiding interstate shipments.
5. Take It Digital
E-readers and audiobooks are great options for the planet. They avoid the manufacturing process completely, and the latter can be life-changing if you want to keep your hands free while staying entertained. We actually love to check ours out from the library (see idea #1), and we listen to them while gardening, commuting, cooking dinner, and more!
6. Donate Your Goods
Sometimes, you find yourself in need of more space, or simply with a few copies of a novel or collection of essays that you didn’t really enjoy. Have no fear! It’s easy to downsize with the planet in mind. You can donate books to your local library, thrift store, or Little Free Library. You could even give them to your neighborhood school or an educational nonprofit. Opportunities abound—you just have to get creative.
7. Try Your Hand at Upcycling
As a last resort, and this is best for those that are damaged or missing parts, you can transform your books into something else completely. Pinterest is a great place to start to get your wheels turning. You might find yourself turning old pages into jewelry, journal covers, or even a unique bouquet! Why not make something beautiful to honor an activity you love?