Books are a top gift choice for Christmas, so here's a list of ethical book retailers you can buy from.
Whoa look out, here's another list - I can't seem to get enough of them lately, but in the run up to Christmas, knowing that people are consuming more, and buying gifts for their loved ones, it's the time to quickly let you and everyone know the places where they can do some good with their purchasing. I've specifcally focussed on books, as this is one of the only things I buy new throughout the year.
Ethical Retailers
1. Book Love Book Love is an award winning collective making sure that multicutural perspectives and people are represented. Currently, and sadly, they are not. Despite a society full of different people, white is the default, and we need this to change. It's not realistic, representative or conscious. 2. Hive All the books I've bought this year have been from Hive. There service is next to none, and delivery time is quick, and issue less, plus it's completely free within the UK, however small your order. Upon checout, you can choose which local book shop you wish to support with your purchase, and you can change this when you want. (I tend to choose a different one each time I buy to make sure I am spreading the wealth, not supporting only one). They are connected to loads of UK book stores now, and every single purchase made sees a percentage go to the local book shop of your preference.
"All the books I've bought this year have been from Hive"
Every book you buy on the Guardian's online book store supports independent journalism. In a world of fake news, and lower standards of integrity due to online advertising, brand media and influencer culture, boy do we need ethical, independent journalism. We are seeing diminishing sources of truthful, factual content and news, and many stories are muddied by opinion via social media channels, so if you can support independent news and journalism sources, do it.
4. Bookshop.org Working with a similar model to Hive, Bookshop UK works to support independent local bookshops. The Guardian wrote an article back in November telling everyone about it launching in the UK after successfully being in the US, which tells you a bit more. They've got this awesome local directory which is fantastic for finding independent bookshops close to wherever you happen to be. Check the directory out here.
Started with the idea of supporting literacy, and saving old books going to landfill, Better World Books combines social and environmental justice. The company has not lost this original line of thinking, and has grown in it's efforts to make a positive impact on the world. Read about their impact more on the site. The first premise is very simple: every time someone buys a book with Better World Books, the company donates a book to someone in need. With a built in social benefit, Better World Books has an awesome story that you can read about in more detail on their website. 5. Oxfam
Oxfam have an excellent online shop with a dedicated book section. With all the genres laid out, it might be easier finding what you want than browsing the shelves hoping to find somthing in the physical charity stores. Buying second hand has a weird stigma attached as it (apparently) signifies being poor, but society needs to get over this. It was a clever marketing ploy to get everyone to consume new products and spend more money. Buying second hand is smart, savvy, sustainable.
"Buying second hand is smart, savvy, sustainable"
6. eBooks
No fancy name, but eBooks says what it needs to. Launched 20 years ago in 2000, it's a big one for saving on the material costs of making a book, and therefore is a great choice when thinking about not using paper, and saving on landfill. In a world wherenew things are made at an exponential rate every day, we do need to consider digital options sometimes, like reading PDFs, or listening to audio files.
And if you're thinking about from any of the below, maybe have a read through and think again...
Ones to avoid
1. Amnesty Books
This might be a surprising one considering what Amnesty are all about.
Amnesty don't have physical stores everywhere and irritatingly, they've chosen to sell books on Amazon. (Please don't give Bezos more money). This decision is questionable, but Amnesty International UK are working for justice, human rights and freedom for people all around the world. You can find your local store using the link above, or they have another option selling online with Abe Books.
2. Audible
Audio books are great. I see no harm in listening rather than reading for the convenience, accessibility and ease. Some people depend on audio books as they are unable to read in the traditional format. Audible is a clever, easy product to use, but.. unfortunately, they are owned by the corporate giant that is Amazon. I want to point out here I am not 'anti Amazon'. It's not that simplistic, but I have strong reasons for persuading people to not buy from there.
Having started as one man band, working from a garage, Amazon is not the independent it once was, nor was it ever a struggling creator - it's an online platform selling other people's creations, products, things. They are not going to go out of buiness any time soon, and we need to spread the wealth, and stop lining the pockets of a select few. I'm not going to go into any more detail here, but if you can, buy from other retailers, not Amazon.
3. The Book Depository
As well as undercutting the prices in order to make products cheaper for you the consumer, this is another company owned by Amazon. Honestly, it's not worth saving a quid here and there on the random book at the cost of ... well who knows to be honest. Some products should not be so cheap, and we need to make sure we are supporting writers, artists, and creators as directly as possibly, not lining the products of the middle man who ialready has more wealth that he could ever spend in a lifetime.
I hope you've found this post entertaining and that I've highlighted a couple of retailers that you might not have heard of before. If you like this post, please share with your friends and family; this blog is uber new so I'd appreciate the traffic.
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Happy ethical Christmassing!
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