Read-duce, Read-cycle, and Read-use Books

Who doesn’t love books?

As someone who loves, reads, and collects books, it is significant to know where I can buy books at the most affordable prices. Besides looking for the best deals, we can incorporate sustainability and environmental consciousness in our book consumption. One of the most sustainable ways to purchase books is through a local used bookstore. These bookstores are scattered throughout Toronto, and I will recommend some of my favourite places to buy books later in this article.

The bookstore industry is one of the biggest industries in Canada, generating a revenue of $1.1 billion in 2022; however, the revenue this year is set to decrease. In the age of digitalization of all aspects of life and the advent of new modes of reading, our local used bookstores are the brave bastions of our book-lover community. Thus, supporting a local used bookstore is much recommended.

As sustainable consumers, we must always support our local bookstores so long as they exist. During the pandemic, undeniably, local businesses were impacted negatively and a lot of these small businesses shut down as a result. As we move forward to the post-pandemic era, we have to realize that small businesses are still recuperating from the devastating effects of the pandemic—including local bookstores.

While there are diverse ways to read  nowadays, I personally prefer reading a physical book than reading an e-book or listening to an audio-book. Nothing can defeat the traditional way of turning pages and smelling the unique and pleasant aroma of a book.

Why support used bookstores?

The first main reason is that you will save tons of money. The majority–if not all—of the books at used bookstores have lower prices as opposed to books  sold in popular bookstores. At the same, your money will fund your local businesses, and thereby circulating to our local economy. In fact, local businesses provide more job opportunities to the local economy and build more community identity.

Nevertheless, you might be lucky to find used books in the same condition as new ones, yet half-priced. Because of how cheap the books are in a used bookstore, you may acquire a high stack of books without feeling as guilty for your purchase.

The last main reason is that buying books at a used bookstore can help reduce your carbon footprint. New books contribute to human-caused carbon emissions. In a 2012 study, it is estimated that a single book generates 2.7 kg of carbon dioxide in its production.

More so, the publication of a book requires papers; in other words, we need to cut down trees. As deforestation impacts ecosystems of our rainforests, the vegetation, and the countless lives of people, we should start to be responsible consumers and cut down our eagerness to buy the latest book. Patience and discipline must be practiced in order to incorporate sustainability in our consumption.

Additionally, 320 million books are thrown in the landfill. We must keep books away from  the landfill and start recycling them. Buying used books is necessary as used books reduce paper waste and carbon emissions.

We must move our book consumption towards a more circular system that fuels degrowth, not  the current linear economy that our economic and production systems champion. Together, we can still keep reading and buying books that are not harmful to our environment.

Here are the used bookstores that I recommended:

2. BMV Books: This is the best bookstore I have ever been to. You can find a wide array of bargain and used books at cheaper prices. Their stores even buy books from you.

3. Scorpio Bookstore: Are you looking for cheap, used textbooks? Then, this store is for you! This store is located across Etobicoke General Hospital (right next to Humber College – North Campus). You can even sell your textbooks after you have completed your wonderful courses!

Have a bookish few months and do not forget to take a break!