Many Wednesdays this year we’re checking in to share how we’re reducing our environmental impact. Some of these ideas are big and require a bit of effort. Others are super small and simple, like this one. But we believe that they all make a difference.
Today I’m comin’ at ya with a simple suggestion: read used books. Whether you’re a book worm yourself or you love gifting books to others, we encourage you to purchased used books from small, local retailers.
Why buy used? Used books are EVERYWHERE! Some folks keep each book they read, but most are capable of shedding books they didn’t love or don’t need anymore. Buying used books helps to reduce waste both upstream (waste you don’t see that’s produced in the production, transportation, and packaging of books) and downstream (household waste that we throw away each year).
Buying used means you get to explore the magic of local bookstores. I wish I was kidding when I tell you one of the reasons I was finally ready to move away from Chapel Hill (after living there for five years) was the closing of my favorite used bookstore. I was devastated. This bookstore was more than just a shop to me, it was a space I would visit to find treasure, have conversations, peruse constantly shifting shelves, search for presents, and pet cats! All of that really cheered me up during my lonelier days.
Top 5 Favorite Sources for Used Books:
- Your Favorite Local Used Bookstore – I implore you to explore local options
- Local Buy Nothing Group
- Local Bookstore’s Used Book Section – Ask the cashier
- Library Book Sales – I just caught the cutest little 25 cents a bag book sale at a tiny public library in Illinois
- Thriftbooks
My favorite used bookstore in my town is called Eclipse Bookstore & Fine Art. I’ve never seen fine art, but there are at least 10,000 books in this lovely little light-filled shop. I spend an average of $80 each visit and if I ever need a specific book, the owner of the shop knows exactly where it’s hiding in the stacks.
Want to waste even less? Don’t buy books at all! Rent them from your local library! I will admit that I have a really hard time with this one because I do love to hang onto most books. My library is growing and I hope to have a whole room lined with bookshelves one day. My heart will be happy when it’s surrounded by beautifully bound (and used) books.