With fall approaching, just imagine snuggling up next to a warm fire with a cup of cocoa and diving into a good book.
Want a way to be green while doing this?
How about visiting your local library?
Having just graduated from college I’ve finally found some time to pick up my old past time – reading.
If you’re a nerd like me and also love to read, you’ve probably realized that buying books can get kind of pricey… even if you are buying them off of the ever cheap Amazon.com.
So to keep your wallet full and still be able to enjoy the joys of reading, why not check out your local library?
The Library????
I know, right? That place all of us pass on our commute to work or school, yet never think to stop by. Why not do yourself, your wallet, and your Earth a favor and take a few minutes and stop in.
Not only do libraries have massive amounts of books to choose from, but they’re free too!
Yes, you heard me right…free. Did you realize that?
Even better, libraries help everyone live greener by allowing them to reuse books. Just imagine, the same copy of the same book can be read by 10, 20… 100 people.
Fun Alternatives To Libraries
Now, if you’re like me, you might be thinking “Well this sounds great, but those books stacked on the shelf in my house make me look and feel well-read, smart, and cultured.”
But if you really think about it, those books are just sitting there… doing nothing but collecting dust on the shelf.
Why not put your old books to use and either give them to friends to read or — even better — take them to a bookstore and trade them in for new books.
You and your friends could essentially be each others’ libraries!
I live in Chattanooga, TN and there are actually 2 businesses that allow you to come in and get cash or credit for your old books, McKay’s and Grumpy’s.
In these stores you can also buy other people’s books that they have brought in. I’m a frequent customer and love the fact that I can get books at a great price, while helping reuse a book that would otherwise be just sitting on a shelf.
If you decide to take a trip to your local library, why not get a little exercise too and ride your bike? After all, the benefits of bike commuting are awesome.
Another cool way to green your reading time is to use a rocking chair powered reading lamp.
Are you a regular at your local library or book reusing store? If so, what do you like about it?
Photo: linnybinnypix
I’m an outdoorsy and recently graduated from college yogi. In the past few years I’ve learned lots of simple steps to becoming greener and have found living green to not only be rewarding, but easy. I hope to pass on some of these simple ideas to you too!
