Sustainability – Read To Grow

Sustainable Book Drives

A million gently used books, donated and spread, saves 300.000 m²of forest

That’s why we or one of our partners do our own planting tree activities.

We take proactive steps to mitigate our environmental impact. We are committed to sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint at every stage of the process, from collecting and sorting books to shipping them to communities in need.

We understand that large-scale operations, like transporting books across countries, contribute to emissions. That’s why we have partnered with tree-planting initiatives to offset these emissions, planting trees in local communities. In Congo, for example, we have already planted over 400 trees. These trees help absorb the carbon emitted during transportation and restore vital ecosystems.

Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond offsetting carbon. We actively seek ways to create a circular economy with our book donations by reusing resources. In this way we ensure that the books we send help not only improve literacy but also build sustainable, thriving communities in the countries we serve.

Congo: planting trees

As part of our commitment to sustainability, we have donated 300 trees to reforestation efforts in Congo, helping to offset emissions from our book drives. These trees not only absorb CO₂ but also support local ecosystems, improve soil health, and provide shade and resources for surrounding communities.

Congo: building a borehole

To support the trees in Congo, we have also built a borehole in Congo to provide water, necessary for the trees and the local community. This essential resource ensures that the trees thrive and the community has access to clean water, creating a sustainable cycle of growth and support.

The monastery: donating 40 trees

We also donated 40 trees to a local monastery in The Netherlands. This gesture supports the monastery’s environmental initiatives and helps it create a more sustainable space for its community.