Better World Books collects books that libraries and universities would otherwise throw away, and sell them to benefit its nonprofit literacy partners, including Books for Africa, Room to Read, and Invisible Children (a lesser-known nonprofit until 2012) and 80 more.
And with good returns so far: In the past five years, BWB has increased its revenue fivefold, up to $50 million last year. To date, the company has donated over 5 million books (for every book sold, a book is donated) and recycled or reused over 80 million pounds of books altogether. They use carbon offsets to covers emissions associated with shipping the books and with the company's general operations. Of course the recycling system is saving trees used in generating new books (although this is an impact that takes time to reveal itself). And to top it off, they're a certified b-corporation in the good company of other businesses committed to doing right by the world and its population.
Their website has tickers that show you exactly how many books have been collected and funds raised, up to the minute. This is fascinating; even charity:water doesn't have that kind of accuracy on its homepage, and it makes me curious about where this information is feeding from. BWB's one downside may be inventory: they cannot yet offer every title you're looking for, and it makes sense that they start with textbooks. Perhaps, though, a merger with Amazon could be the perfect thing? Convert what is now the 'used' option for each book into a BWB system?
My favorite book-recycling program may still be finding a book on the steps of a Brooklyn brownstone building, left there by the previous reader to pass it on. But the next time I buy a book online, I'll check www.betterworldbooks.com first.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
things that make you go HM....
As a conscious shopper and individual, I try to avoid big box stores that are known to use cheap labor and unsustainable resources to make an incomprehensibly inexpensive top that I'll wear for three months before it falls out of favor and fashion.
But I passed a bus stop ad the other day for H&M's new Conscious Collection and Fashion Against AIDS lines, and the summery pink and this pink and white organic-cotton cocktail dress made me pause for a second look.
photo from H&M.com
My wedding is three weeks away, and I'm giving myself some leeway to shop for new outfits. What better excuse than a weekend celebrating the fabulousness of you and your beaux, right?
So I went, and I was impressed. You really couldn't tell the difference in quality between the Conscious Collection and their regular line, and the prices were comparable too. I didn't get the dress, but I got a sleeveless blouse and basically wore it two days straight.
They make a big claim on the Sustainability area of their site:
"Our vision is that all business operations shall be run in a way that is economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable."
The triple-bottom-line: well done, H&M, and godspeed. I'll wear my $17 top all summer with pride, and I am a believer in affordable seasonal fashion once again.
But I passed a bus stop ad the other day for H&M's new Conscious Collection and Fashion Against AIDS lines, and the summery pink and this pink and white organic-cotton cocktail dress made me pause for a second look.
photo from H&M.com
My wedding is three weeks away, and I'm giving myself some leeway to shop for new outfits. What better excuse than a weekend celebrating the fabulousness of you and your beaux, right?
So I went, and I was impressed. You really couldn't tell the difference in quality between the Conscious Collection and their regular line, and the prices were comparable too. I didn't get the dress, but I got a sleeveless blouse and basically wore it two days straight.
They make a big claim on the Sustainability area of their site:
"Our vision is that all business operations shall be run in a way that is economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable."
The triple-bottom-line: well done, H&M, and godspeed. I'll wear my $17 top all summer with pride, and I am a believer in affordable seasonal fashion once again.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
shop responsibl-etsy.
Infamous and booming DIY-craft marketplace site Etsy just announced its b-corporation certification last week. With the b-corp definition of 'using the power of business to solve social and societal problems,' Etsy is making it possible to buy and sell goods worldwide and encouraging a 'people-powered economy,' as described in this Atlantic article.
CEO Chad Dickerson describes obtaining the certification as in line with Etsy's 'mindful, transparent, and humane' values and their plan for long-term sustainability. Etsy sold $65 million worth of goods in April 2012 alone, and the company has about $40 million in the bank, with plans to open a couple new offices abroad soon.
While Etsy has received some snarky criticism over the years, they have closed a clear gap in the online space where a creative, handy individual can not only sell their items, but can be easily discoverable and part of a reputable, searchable network. It's creating mini-jobs all over the place, and fostering old-fashioned handiwork in a time when it can seem like every job relies on programming skills. A b-corp certificate is well-deserved and means greater visibility for b-lab and its objectives. Kudos!
CEO Chad Dickerson describes obtaining the certification as in line with Etsy's 'mindful, transparent, and humane' values and their plan for long-term sustainability. Etsy sold $65 million worth of goods in April 2012 alone, and the company has about $40 million in the bank, with plans to open a couple new offices abroad soon.
While Etsy has received some snarky criticism over the years, they have closed a clear gap in the online space where a creative, handy individual can not only sell their items, but can be easily discoverable and part of a reputable, searchable network. It's creating mini-jobs all over the place, and fostering old-fashioned handiwork in a time when it can seem like every job relies on programming skills. A b-corp certificate is well-deserved and means greater visibility for b-lab and its objectives. Kudos!
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