I remember purchasing my first book online. It was a whirlwind and a milestone for technology. Now, as I’ve been journeying through more sustainable living I’ve come to see the negativity of having my TBR list overnighted. I’m assembling resources to make the switch from traditional booksellers, to indie book sellers. One resource I’ve found to be quite helpful is a website called Indie Bound. I hadn’t realized how important it is to better understand where I’m buying books from and the local and global impact it has.
Please note this post is NOT sponsored. I discovered Indie Bound from the link on Victoria Aveyard’s website for where to purchase her latest book. I was shocked to see how many options there were for a buyer. I thought that Target/Barnes & Noble/Amazon were the major players (along with a few others) and then the local bookstores in XYZ towns.
Terminology to know:
Conscious:
Awareness of the impacts choices and action have on the environment and its inhabitants.
Independent Bookstore:
A bookstore which is owned independently—not a part of a bookseller chain store. They are often structured as closely held corporations, partnerships, cooperatives, nonprofits, or volunteer initiatives/groups.
Small Business:
A small business has fewer employees than and generates less revenue than a “regular-sized business or corporation”. They are often structured as privately owned corporations, partnerships, or sole proprietorship. Depending on the small business’ location, many countries/states have regulations for which annual income classifies a small business versus others.
I learned that Indie Bound, which acts as a toolbox and supplies each book lover with the right tool to build their new world. IndieBound is an online hub connecting readers to their local bookstore. Indie Bound is basically the Amazon (but more environmentally friendly) equivalent of the independent bookstore realm. Readers can browse the books listed on the website and purchase them online, just like on Amazon. However, instead of the book shipping to you from anywhere in the world, Indie Bound’s mission is to send your book to you from the closest independent bookstore near you and support your local economy. This not only cuts down on the time it would take to arrive, but it is more conscious to the environment and supports small businesses.
Why It’s good for the Economy
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Spend $100 at a local and $67 of that stays in your community.*
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More of your taxes are reinvested in your community.*
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The founder of Amazon has increased his wealth by $116 million from Amazon during the pandemic meanwhile 60% of businesses have closed. As we can see, Amazon is doing fabulous with sales and they continue to increase. But, others businesses that are also providing jobs and have a need, are forced to close.
Environment
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Buying local means less packaging and less transportation.*
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Shopping in a local business district means less infrastructure, less maintenance, and more money to beautify your community.*
Community
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Local retailers are your friends and neighbors.*
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Local businesses donate to charities at more than twice the rate of national chains.*
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More independents means more choice, more diversity, and a truly unique community.*
*Source: Indie Bound
Would you consider buying books more consciously? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section.
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