Five Ways to Read More Sustainably from Home or Abroad

Traveling the world is oftentimes as easy as opening a book. We’ve rounded up our favorite tips for harnessing the power of reading while keeping it good for the planet.

In these modern times of ours where so much information lurks behind the click of a mouse, books might seem like a thing of the past.

In fact, they are more important than ever. Books help strengthen our brains, they reduce stress, they improve sleep patterns, they boost our capacity to develop empathy, and they might even help us live longer. 

As if we needed even more reasons to read, the list goes on. The Healthline article linked above states that, for children, “reading at home boosts school performance later on. It also increases vocabulary, raises self-esteem, builds good communication skills, and strengthens the prediction engine that is the human brain.” Last but not least, books have become the medium of a new science, Bibliotherapy, believed to help prevent, if not treat, feelings of depression and isolation. With screen time climbing through the roof and mental health problems skyrocketing among children and teens as well, these are all skills that could make a huge difference in our young people’s lives. 

Much like in the case of travel, when we introduce reading to our children early, they are more likely to integrate it into their adult lives. The two activities also share many of the same benefits, from empathy-building to depression prevention. And when travel isn’t an option, books offer an escape from our immediate surroundings and a vicarious experience of other realities. In a less sunny parallel to travel, buying physical books made of paper and having them shipped to our doorstep can increase our carbon footprint. Fortunately for us, the ways to lower the impact our reading habits have on the environment are growing.

Swap, Lend, or Donate 

Part of the feeling of finishing a great read is the desire to discuss it with someone else. Passing a book on can provide that opportunity for discussion while at the same time helping build community, spark new conversations, and encourage others to read. Book swaps and hand-me-downs from friends can also expose us to voices and perspectives we, or our children, might not have come across on our own. Plus, sharing reading material with friends offers a great way to extend the life of a book.

Book swaps can take place in-person or remotely. It could be the theme of a birthday party or an activity at a sleepover, but it could also be a quick transaction at a local free library, community center, or youth hostel. If you’re not expecting anything in exchange, consider donating lightly loved volumes to a thrift store or a used book shop. Which leads us to our next point…

Shop at Used and/or Independent Bookstores

There’s nothing quite like the ambiance of a used bookstore. The smell of all those pages fermenting over the years, the creak of old wood, the joys of finding something you were looking for or laying your hands on an unexpected treasure. Book lovers everywhere will agree that a visit to a used bookstore is an adventure unto itself. Besides, buying secondhand means reducing new book production.

Independent booksellers may still sell new books printed on new paper (see FSC-certification below), but they offer a host of other benefits to the community and environment. Stopping by your local bookseller not only entails an actual human interaction, but it also helps avoid unnecessary shipping waste. The extra dollars you might spend there as opposed to shopping online means supporting the local economy and ensuring fair(er) wages for workers who actually love what they do. 

Used and independent book shops often feature unique, creative play areas for kids, cozy cafes, or a selection of local crafts. We especially love seeking out used and independent book shops on the road to discover what other travelers have read before us and get a peek into the local literary and social scene. 

Buy FSC-certified

When buying new books locally or abroad, look for the words “FSC-certified” on the cover or the copyright page. This stands for the Forest Stewardship Council, meaning that the paper used to produce the book comes from renewable sources. These days, the fastest, easiest way to acquire a book is through a download, but the physical act of holding a book and turning the pages lends the experience a special kind of magic, especially for kids.

Go Solar

That said, for busy parents on the go, sometimes the only option is to read on a device or listen to an audio book. Listening to audio books on a family road trip is also a great way to integrate stories and literature – especially those related to the destination – into the travel experience. Some argue that e-books are the most sustainable of all (while another camp posits that the disposal of the batteries and chips involved causes its own environmental risks). But one awesome new invention, the solar charger, makes reading from devices even more sustainable by cutting out the electricity required to charge them. 

Borrow from a Library

In terms of sustainability, reading a library book may just take the cake. The tomes on their shelves pass through countless hands and minds, reducing the impact of the paper used and connecting readers through shared experience and community. Supporting a local library often translates into supporting literacy programs, community-building activities, and local authors. Plus, librarians are usually open to recommendations so you can still get your hands on a copy of that new hardback from your favorite author without shelling out the big bucks. 

When traveling for longer stints in countries where you know the language well enough to read it, libraries could still be an option. Borrowing on-location helps keep your luggage light, thereby lightening your load and consuming less fossil fuels. Ask the local librarian if you can sign up for a card as a non-resident; oftentimes they will say yes. 

We hope these tips inspire parents and their children alike to read more and feel less guilty about their paper trail! Look out for our eco-minded Book of the Month series to expand your reading bubble further. 

Discover More Educational Offerings

• Inspire your Kids to Become Ocean Ambassadors

• Join a Beach Cleanup on your Next Vacay

• Sustainable Family Travel: A Roadmap