# 1, Keeping a Sustainable Library
It’s a huge dilemma for any eco-minded, avid reader.
We’d like to support authors while trying to reduce waste…but can we really let print die? Nope. That doesn’t feel right.
How can we support authors, reduce carbon footprints, and build our libraries at the same time?
Here’s the thing: we can’t really do it all. While we’d love to support the authors who help us get away and grow our collection, sometimes it just doesn't work out that way.
Some solutions.
First and foremost, you can invest in an e-reader.
Easy. Reduce paper consumption, and some of your coin goes to the authors. While you can choose to get an Amazon Kindle (which is one of the leading e-readers on the market), you might feel icky about supporting a, cough cough, multi-billion dollar corporation. You could choose to support America’s last major bookstore, Barnes and Noble, and purchase a Nook e-reader. Unless you’re like me: I’m scared my Nook will become obsolete if B&N ever meets a bleak end. But those aren’t the only options: PCMag made a comprehensive guide to the best e-readers out there.
You could say “screw the corporations!” (rightly so), and go straight to local bookstores.
There are so. many. to. choose. from. This doesn’t reduce your paper consumption though, but it does give you the delicious satisfaction of holding a real book and adding it to your shelves. Which is what we all want as readers. Bookshop.org is a great tool to finding your local bookstores and supporting small business.
Join your nearest library.
Remember those?
Some thrift stores have impressive second-hand book collections.
This is a tricky one. In recent years, thrifting has exploded as a sustainable, fashionable practice. But it’s important to keep in mind the true essence that most thrift stores hold: to serve low-income communities. That being said, some have larger collections that others and constantly restock. You can find recent titles, even Harry Potter (and thrifting any of these books is the best way to enjoy them, let’s face it, we’re not supporting She who will not be named.) But try to give back. Donate children’s books and textbooks you might have laying around.