By Allie Vanden Heuvel, Alliance Intern from University of Alabama at Birmingham MPH ‘25
I’m about to preach about something I’m guilty of.
I’m an avid reader – I mean 100-books-a-year avid. There’s something magical about immersing myself in different worlds, exploring diverse perspectives, and feeling the emotions of characters as if they were my own. Each page turn is an invitation to reflect on my own life, draw parallels, and understand the intricacies of life.
However, with this passion comes a responsibility to consider how my reading habits affect the world around me. As much as I cherish the experience of reading, I’ve realized that my habits contribute to a larger issue: the culture of overconsumption.
Overconsumption pushes us to equate ownership with status and urgency with satisfaction. The relentless cycle of buying the latest book, often before we’ve even read the last, perpetuates a system that strains our planet’s resources.
The Culture of Overconsumption
Overconsumption is woven into the fabric of our lives. The amount of things we own correlates to our status. We are constantly being inundated with the newest trend or a “must have” item. We feed capitalism by adopting this mindset and making purchase after purchase of things we don’t truly need.
Humans are using the planet’s resources at a rate 1.7 times faster than it can regenerate. If we continue on this path, we will literally run out of resources and overconsumption feeds this unsustainable usage.
J.B. MacKinnon, author of The Day the World Stops Shopping, explains that when people buy less, the drops in emissions, resource consumption, and pollution are more significant than the effects of green technology.
Environmental Impact of Book Overconsumption
Every year, more than 16,000 truckloads of UNREAD books are disposed of, amounting to around 10 million trees cut down for no reason. On top of this, the US publishing industry alone uses 32 million trees a year to produce books.
According to Green Press Initiative, overconsumption of books contributes to deforestation, carbon emissions, ecosystem disruption, and increased waste. Strategies such as using recycled paper or printing on demand, as opposed to printing based on sales projections, should be widely adopted to mitigate this impact.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not advocating for stopping production of books. I believe books are incredibly valuable pieces of art and knowledge that play a significant role in our lives. Instead, I am advocating for sustainable production and considerate consumption of books.
The Allure of Book Collecting
The reading community is no stranger to overconsumption, myself included. The line between book collecting and overconsumption is quite blurred – stemming from an indistinct line between emotional satisfaction and material accumulation, caused by capitalism and consumerism.
Many of us buy for the sake of buying and collect for the sake of collecting. There is a social pressure in the reading community to showcase extensive collections of books. Some people go as far as calling it their “personal library,” with hundreds of books, many of which are waiting to be read.
But if your collection is not significant and meaningful to you, what is their purpose other than sitting on a shelf, collecting dust? We must challenge our tendency to place value in the aesthetics of reading books instead of valuing the experience.
The Pressure to Consume
When a popular author or series has a new release, there is often a race to buy up copies. I can understand this urge and have given into it more than a few times. I believe the intention behind it is what defines it as overconsumption versus genuine excitement and support for a favorite author and independent bookstore.
The immediacy of purchasing a new book, as opposed to waiting for a copy from your library, sparks something in our brains, making us want more and more. The result is impulsive purchases that I know many of us are guilty of. Buying books without researching reviews or understanding the story can lead to spending money on a book you may not even like.
My Buying Principles for Thoughtful Book Purchases
I love the feeling of a book in my hand (paperback only, of course). I love being able to take notes in the margins or highlight my favorite quotes. But in order to be kinder to the planet (and my wallet), I have rules for buying books.
- I have read the book first – Whether it be a copy from the library, on my Kindle, or borrowed from a friend, I must have read it before I can buy a physical copy. This might seem extreme to you, but it has really helped me cut down on book collecting. If this doesn’t seem right for you, I suggest reading a (spoiler-free) summary and checking the ratings to gauge your interest.
- I will reread the book – I have to be absolutely certain that I will revisit the story. I am a big proponent of rereading, as I find new things in my favorite books every time I read them. It encourages me to read with intent and thoroughly digest its contents.
- It holds significance in my life – Every so often, I come across a book that changes how I think or feel dramatically. These books that have a hold on me, bringing me back to the story time and time again. Such profound stories are perfectly acceptable to collect.
- Even if reading isn’t your thing, I find that setting rules for purchases works wonders across the board. When I consider buying a new piece of clothing, I have to plan three outfits I can make with the clothes I already own. When I want to try a new grocery item, I double check that I have other items to make a full meal with it.
I’ve found that creating (and actually using!) rules brings awareness to my buying habits. I am more mindful when shopping, which is better for the planet, my wallet, and the clutter in my home.
Exploring Sustainable Alternatives: Mindful Ways to Feed Your Reading Habit
There are plenty of ways to get your fix for a new book other than buying from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
- Libraries – The most understated community resource in my opinion! Using your local library is the easiest way to cut down on book buying. I personally love placing holds on books through the library’s website, then they’re waiting for me on the shelf when I arrive – no searching required. I also love my library because the librarians are always willing to give recommendations and chat about books. There are events to connect with your community, resources for those in need, and provide a quiet space to read, work, or study.
- E-Readers and Audiobooks – For those who love a physical book in their hand, this one might not be for you. I was hesitant at first too, but I love using both formats! E-Readers are perfect for gathering that collection you crave, but saving paper in the process and always having a book handy even when you’re traveling. Audiobooks have been a lifesaver for me – I am so busy but always want more time to read. I listen to audiobooks in the car or while I’m walking my dog.
- Little Free Library – Little Free Library is a non-profit that seeks to expand access to books for all. These “little free libraries” are rectangular, waterproof boxes on a post in neighbors’ yards holding collections of books that encourage passersby to take or leave books. They are a great way to find new novels and share books that have been sitting on your shelves.
- Swapping with Friends – I personally love swapping books with friends – it engages us both in the story and we get to have a long discussion after we’ve both finished. My favorite books become even more special to me, knowing that my friends have read the same story and we’ve spent quality time together because of it.
- Used Book Stores – Finally, when you do go get a physical copy of a book that meets all your buying rules, visit a used book store! Independent used bookstores are my favorite place to shop and donate my books. I love to make a day out of it – grab a friend and a coffee, then get lost in a bookstore for an hour. Well-loved books make me feel a connection to the prior reader and the reading community as a whole.
Rethinking Our Reading: A Call for Conscious Consumption
The pull of impulse buying and overconsumption is strong, being constantly reinforced by social media, peer influence, and capitalistic culture. However, we can challenge these norms through mindful consumption and buying less whenever possible.
Even though having a personal library sounds dreamy, the reality of overconsumption is far from ideal. I encourage you to prioritize enjoyment and thoughtful reading over the mere aesthetics of collecting books.
Let’s shift our focus to cultivating meaningful connections with the stories we love, ensuring that our passion for reading enriches our lives – and the planet – rather than detracting from them.