Did you know bookbinding is good for the environment? It is! When I tell people my books help (not hurt) the environment, I usually get some puzzled stares.

They’re probably thinking:

  • books are made from paper…
  • paper comes from trees…
  • many trees are cut down each year to manufacturing greed…
  • trees help us breathe
  • without trees, we’ll suffocate!
  • books are bad!

Look, I understand. The paper industry is the third largest polluter in the world, pushing 100 million kilograms into the atmosphere every year.

Knowing this, it would seem crazy that an item made almost exclusively from paper products could ever be “good” for the environment. With the right level of responsible thinking, we can make bookbinding good for the environment instead of harmful.

Here are 7 (surprising) ways bookbinding is actually GOOD for the world:

  1. Pollution is nearly nonexistent when a book is made by hand in a home vs. a machine in a factory.
  2. Consumption and waste can be reduced because we purchase and use only what we need.
  3. Paper scraps and leftovers are repurposed into mini books, book marks, boxes and other paper crafts.
  4. Unused or damaged papers can be recycled or upcycled to make handmade paper.
  5. Like me, bookbinders can choose to purchase only 100% recycled paper.
  6. Long-lasting books are made with archival-quality ingredients, many of which are clean and free of chemicals.
  7. Handmade books are oftentimes created on demand, so there’s rarely any unwanted goods for landfills.

Books are important

Look, no matter how many digital reading devices are available, books will always have a place in our world. Books teach us how to read, write and communicate. They allow us to be introspective by giving us a place to journal our hopes and fears or sketch them into art.

Books are a physical representation of knowledge and free thought. By reading about the past, we’re able to avoid making the same mistakes over and over. It may sound dramatic, but I believe books are the past, present and future of humanity.

Make intentional choices

To truly help the environment, bookbinders and other paper crafters need to think and act with intention. By focusing on high quality, ethically-sourced and environmentally friendly ingredients while refusing to participate in the hype of consumerism, we can actually help our planet instead of harm it.

That’s a world I’m ready to leave behind for my grandkids. What about you?

Good luck!

More bookbinding goodness

✨ What tools do I need to get started bookbinding?

🌟 Looking for a simple way to start making books? 

Try a Complete Book Materials Kit. Each one has everything you need (+ tutorials & videos) to make a beautiful book without all the fuss.

Thank you for taking me along on your book making journey!

Misty