5 tips to jump-start your sustainable reading journey today

Love to read? But care about the environment? You’re not alone! I love to read too and am constantly evolving my reading habits to accommodate my sustainable lifestyle. 

We all know paper is made from trees, well.. just imagine how many trees can be saved by making these simple sustainable reading swaps.

You don’t have to give up your love for reading. These are my top 5 tips to sustainable reading.

#1 buy ebooks instead of physical books

Do you own an e-reader? They’re a great tool for reading ebooks, which are way cheaper than buying new physical books, PLUS it’s all is one place and takes up little to no room on your bookshelf. 

#2 listen to audiobooks

Did your fav author or someone you follow release a new book recently? Consider listening to the audiobook version, usually (if it’s non-fiction) it’ll be narrated by the author. I like to listen to audiobooks while doing other things, so it’s great to multitask. Or even if you just want to lay down and relax, audio books are great. Plus there’s no trees being harmed!

#3 borrow books from your local library

I borrow books from the library all the time! I remember growing up, I loved visiting the library and seeing what I could read next – I don’t think it’s changed. 

Did you know you can possibly borrow ebooks and audiobooks through your library too? Definitely check your libraries online catalogue. If you’re in Australia you can use Libby (was OverDrive) and Borrowbox through your local library to borrow even more ebooks and audiobooks! So cool! 

#4 borrow books from friends and family

Know other book lovers in your friend group or amongst family? Ask them if you can borrow that book you’ve been wanting to read for ages, that they’re already read. After, you can both talk about the book!

A big thing to living a sustainable lifestyle is buying less, and reusing more. So I recommend asking those around you about their hobbies and see if you have shared interests, and use/borrow items that you both use.

#5 find your local book exchange boxes

These book exchange boxes are soo cute, I love them. Have you seen any? They’re the little houses usually painted and put together by community members that house a collection of used books, available 24/7 for locals to exchange books for free. I’d say there’s about 10 or books in them, so they’re only small. I’ve seen a few pop up, all with unique character. I highly recommend checking these out in your local area.

bonus: purchase physical books from second hand stores and marketplaces

Prefer to read physical books? Sometimes I do too, so you’re not alone. Some books just read better when you’re actually holding them, you know what I mean? 

There’s been so many bookcases full of used books at local second hand stores (op shops) that I’ve visited, it’s amazing! And they’re super cheap too, mostly $2-$10. So I highly encourage you to check your local op shop used book section, you never know what you’ll find. Comment below your fav op shop find. Also check out online marketplaces like Gumtree and Facebook marketplace for used books too.

Do you have any other tips for sustainable reading? Share in the comments below, I’d love to hear what you’re doing.

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hi there, i’m sezzy –
your sustainable bestie!

A 20-something aussie environmentalist on a mission to educate and inspire you to live sustainably. Together we can create positive change through sustainable swaps.

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