Trees and Books Learn to Love Each Other

I’m a knowledge dork and I openly admit it. As a kid, the most likely place to find me would be a) the library or b) the bookstore. While I am no Stephen Hawking, I can’t help but delve into the hows, whys, and what-ifs of the world. As my concern for the environment has flourished in the past ten years, I can’t help but feel a bit of a shiver when I walk into my favorite book seller these days - where did all the paper for those books come from? 

Though I would like to believe that a large chunk of publishers use post-consumer recycled content for their releases, I’ve found that just isn’t the case. There are over 80,000 different book publishers in the United States, yet only 140 of them (for the math fans, that’s .18%) have signed a treatise to improve their eco-footprint. Let’s not forget that some publishers already use a percentage of post-consumer recycled paper for the printing of their materials, but it is clear that it is not nearly enough. Factoring in all of the US publishers, a total of 5% of all paper used in production is made with some percentage of recycled material.

As consumers, it is our job to help speak out and make a difference … but if that means not buying books, I’m going to have some serious mental issues. Thankfully, a company has recently been established to help the plight of the book industry - Eco-Libris. For every five books that you read and offset via the company’s website, five trees will be planted in developing countries to help maximum the impact. In turn, you will be sent five stickers to put on the books you have offset, letting the world know you have made a positive impact. Let me guess - you are already wondering what the stickers are made of, no? Do not fret, they are made with recycled paper, along with non-toxic inks and glues.

I was recently honored with the opportunity to speak with both Eco-Libris CEO, Raz Godelnik, and Head of Business Development, Eylon Israely. Read on to find out more about Eco-Libris, how they are helping to change the world of books, and how three unique non-profits factor in to their business plan.

READ THE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW HERE!