As book lovers, there’s something almost instinctive in us that recoils at the thought of throwing books in the trash. The idea of discarding a book, with all its stories and knowledge, feels fundamentally wrong. So, when we sort through boxes of books, we set aside those that are still clean and in good condition but that we believe may not be marketable in our current setting.
Rather than consigning these books to the landfill, we place them in large, pallet-sized bins. These bins are designated for pick-up by Better World Books, an organization that shares our belief in the value of books. By doing this, we ensure that these books find new homes or are repurposed in a way that continues to spread knowledge and preserve the integrity of the printed word. It’s a process that allows us to honor the books and their potential, even when they no longer serve a purpose for us directly.
Better World Books is a social enterprise and online bookstore with a mission to promote literacy and sustainability. Founded in 2002 by three college students, the organization collects and sells new and used books online, with the proceeds supporting various literacy initiatives and educational programs around the world.
One of the unique aspects of Better World Books is its commitment to environmental and social responsibility. They divert books from landfills by sourcing inventory from libraries, bookstores, and individuals. Books that cannot be sold are either donated to literacy programs or recycled responsibly, ensuring that no book goes to waste. In addition to supporting global literacy efforts, Better World Books also partners with non-profit organizations and libraries, providing them with a portion of the sales generated from donated books.
By offering a sustainable way to buy and donate books, Better World Books allows people to contribute to a circular economy where books can be reused and repurposed, ultimately benefiting communities and the environment.