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Imagine owning over five million books. Cost and storage are no concern and, even better, you know that the books will never take up space in a landfill after you are through with them. BookCrossing.com offers just that kind of guilt-free literacy with one catch — you have to find the books first.
The principles of BookCrossing are simple: read a book and leave it in a public place for others to find and enjoy.
Founded in 2001, BookCrossing has experienced tremendous growth in less than ten years’ of existence. The phenomenon has spread to over 130 countries and has nearly 800,000 active members.
“[T]he Green Movement has most certainly made BookCrossing a more appealing option rather than ordering new books,” says Heather Mehra-Pedersen, Cofounder of BookCrossing.com. “We feel our mission … has always been relevant, but in our current situation, reusing and recycling is the only way to go.”
Steady Growth
BookCrossing continues to grow at a rate of 250-350 new members per day, a figure that is up 50 members per day over the past three years, demonstrating a favorable response to recent environmental concerns. BookCrossing has responded to this growth by offering more Green services and products that also show greater economical sensibility; their reusable, postal-friendly envelopes have a sturdy Velcro seal, cutting down on shipping related waste.
How effective is sharing books as a recycling tool, though? Are books left on park benches and coffee shop tables likely to be considered litter and thrown out?
BookCrossing books are clearly labeled with an ID number and a message that deters the finder from tossing it in the garbage and directs him or her to the website to learn how to participate in the process. Using these identifying marks, it is easy to track a book’s location and movement online. Members have the option of creating their own labels or purchasing artist labels from the store, which helps BookCrossing remain free and operational.
“Typically the shelf life of a book is longer than a human's life,” says Mehra-Pedersen, “… making a book perfect for reusing and recycling.” While it is difficult to determine exactly how many times a book has been reused, BookCrossing notes that a number have been read over 150 times, eliminating that much waste as a result of publishing, distribution, and disposal.
Connections Between Readers
Each time a book is read, its current owner is encouraged to create an online journal entry for it, linking it to previous entries and forging connections between readers. BookCrossing also dedicates sections of its site to forums and convention news, creating a community that engenders the ‘Read and Release’ mentality.
In times of economic struggle and environmental consciousness, it is often the simplest measures that are most effective in reducing expenses and waste. Sharing books among friends and neighbors is an easy way to enjoy a hobby while reducing an individual’s impact on the planet. When an organization like BookCrossing turns this practice into a global sensation, its effects are far-reaching.
“We think the whole process is a recycling program,” concludes Mehra-Pedersen. “It's a perfect way to save, good for your wallet and the earth.”
