I would not claim to be “green,” but I’m greener than I was, and I’m interested in learning about changes I can make to get greener. That’s one reason I love the new 5 Minutes for Going Green site. Each week I get information on small changes I should be and could be making to reduce my carbon footprint.
One area that I have mastered is taking my own canvas bags to the grocery store. In addition to the fact that they are reusable and not plastic, they hold more and they are sturdier than those plastic bags they go through by the hundreds (thousands?) at the grocery store.
I’ve recently expanded my use of these canvas bags. They are perfect for loading up items for a picnic at the park (which is more environmentally friendly than stopping at McDonald’s). I love to use them when I’m packing up stuff for a weekend away, and in addition to grocery shopping, I use my totes each week by taking them to the library.
I am the mother of two little bookworms, and of course I love to read too, so our trips to the library result in more than one book a piece. My four-year-old usually comes home with a Thomas DVD, a Thomas book or two, and maybe another book if I’ve been able to convince him to look beyond the foot of space devoted to the Reverend W. Auden’s collected works. My nine-year-old always gets at least three or four books and finishes them in time to return them the following week. Since I am up to my ears in review copies, I stay away from fiction at the library, but I often bring home a (heavy) cookbook or two.
My minusbags canvas tote works perfectly for this. It doesn’t have a store logo emblazoned on it, and it’s not that thin canvas that I’ve acquired for 99 cents.
It got me to thinking that using the library is a very green practice:
- Libraries use and reuse resources—one book purchased by the library will be enjoyed by many people, as opposed to buying my own copy of a book and reading it and then letting it take up space on my bookshelf.
- Using the library saves fuel—my library is much closer to me than any bookstore. Even if I shop online (which is honestly how I buy 95% of my books), those books I order are shrink-wrapped, packed and shipped across country resulting in used fuel.
- Using the library supports the community – even though I’m not technically consuming, staying local is good for the local economy.
Would you like to win one of two gorgeous minusbags totes? Leave a comment here telling me your favorite part of using the library. I’ll draw two winners on August 20 (The giveaway is now closed. Thanks for all your great comments about libraries).
Managing Editor Jennifer Donovan is a contributing editor at 5 Minutes for Mom. She has been blogging at Snapshot for over two years. You’ll almost always find her holding either a book, a fork, a child’s hand, her laptop, or some combination therein.
Kirsten says
It is something that my teenage daughter and I do together. We both love finding new books to read. I love that time together.
Eda says
I enjoy our library’s website. I look up to see what new books will be coming to the library. I also order on MELCAT.
kathy pease says
the peace and quiet 🙂
Sylvia Porter says
i love seeing all the new books and videos they have every week!
Tammy says
In our library system you can place holds on books from any location and have them shipped to the one nearest to you — you can also have them take the books off the shelves at your most frequented library and put them on a hold shelf. Works great when there are specific books I want to read, but don’t have a lot of time to get them!
Kathy Conley says
My favorite part of using the library is that it is free!
Carissa D. says
My favorite part of using the library is that I don’t waste money on something that will just end up sitting on a shelf.
Jennifer says
I read really fast, so I love that I can take as many books out as I want and for free! I also just love being around books, it’s a stress reliever for me going to the library.
Roseann Kies says
After reading books, I can return them and not accumulate them at home!
jjean says
I love the library! It is like a treasure hunt every time I go. I love that I can check out current books & movies without having to add them to my collection, and I don’t even mind if I get a fine. Really. It is just a little more support for my library. 🙂 Thanks!
Hollie Jackson says
i love our library, it’s so easy to use and the people are lovely!
Jenn says
the look of absolute awe on my toddler’s face each time we go – he can barely contain the excitement of seeing ALL THOSE BOOKS!
CHERYL A FRANCISCO says
My favorite thing about using the library is that it’s one of the last things in the world where everything is still free.
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Desiree says
I have almost as much fun just browsing before I select the ones I want to take home that day…not unusual to slip in one I remember reading when I was in my teens just for the pleasure of rereading it 😉
A Casson says
Their collection of foreign books
Rachel Watts says
I just love being around all those books, and my sons do too. My 8 year old and I like to listen to audiobooks in the car and they can cost a fair amount (and we burn through them in a few weeks) so I really like getting them at the library.
Sand says
I love being able to put items on hold and accessing my account online. I love to check out movies and books.
Erica G says
I love that it is quiet!! i also love that I can get any book I want for free!
amandasue says
I love using the library because I read so many books and my library even lets me request a book and if they dont’ have it they will search other libraries in the state to see if they have it, which is neat because I can usually always get the book I want to read!
Kelly says
I love all the money it saves me. We are watching DVD’s we got at the library right now. They actually have a lot better selection than most be think. I also love to get the audio books. They almost make commuting a pleasure.
Sharold Friedrich says
I love to go to the library because I love books!! We go every week and I just can’t wait to get there.
Veronica Garrett says
My favorite part about using the library is all the research I am able to do by using all of the available research materials.
Stacie Ruyle says
My favorite part about going to the library is the daily “reading time” that my local library offers… they have several volunteers that read books to the kids at 10am every morning. My daughter is always so excited to go to the library because of this:)
Suanne Giddings says
I can read all of my current favorite books and not spend a fortune doing it. I also have an ongoing problem with clutter and books are one of my weaknesses. When I take books back to the library I am decluttering my house. On occasion, we even check out a movie! Thank you for the opportunity to win!
Frances Watson says
I love the fact that the library is on line here connecting 5 citys and U can get any book u want