Thrift Books Recognized by EPA for Green Initiatives in Saving Trees and Recycling Books

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In 2009 alone, we purchased over 41 million used books, primarily all of which would have ended up in landfills

Auburn, WA (Vocus) August 10, 2010

Thriftbooks.com expects to recycle more books than ever this upcoming year, which in turn has led the Environmental Protection Agency to recognize the retailer as a WasteWise partner.

“In 2009 alone, we purchased over 41 million used books, primarily all of which would have ended up in landfills,” said Hector Rivas, chief executive officer of Thrift Books. “We expect to save even more books this year as we continue to grow.”

Thrift Books purchases in bulk hundreds of thousands of used books each week that are at risk of being needlessly discarded. Every book that is purchased is examined for quality—to determine whether the book is in good condition for resale. Those in good condition are resold online or are donated to Thrift Books’ non-profit literacy partners. Those books that do not make the quality requirements are sent directly to recycling plants.

Currently, Thrift Books recycles more than two million pounds of books each month. Each ton of 100% post-consumer copy paper (which comes from approximately 1.4 tons of books) received at the recycling plants saves 24 trees, 7000 gallons of water, 41000 kilowatts of electricity and 60 pounds of air pollution. Since 2004, Thrift Books has recycled over 56,000 tons of books.

Thrift Books has found that by creating a large market for cheap books online, not only are used books recycled, but the need for newly printed books declines, which in turn decreases the demand for paper and trees.

“We see our company as a way of helping readers get the best prices on books, while we can help the environment at the same time,” said Seth Beal, president and chief operating officer of Thrift Books.

Beyond recycling and reselling used books, Thrift Books has adopted company policies that show its commitment to the environment, including using a paperless system for shipping invoices and using only 100% recyclable plastic bags for shipping. Due to these efforts, the U.S. EPA has recognized Thrift Books as a WasteWise Partner.

About Thrift Books
Thrift Books has emerged from its modest beginnings to become the nation’s largest online seller of used books with a growing international presence. Based in Auburn, Washington, Thrift Books and its affiliates have over 250 employees. The Thrift Books family has grown to include Green Earth Books, Motor City Books, Atlanta Book Company LLC, Books Squared LLC, Yankee Clipper Books LLC, and Blue Cloud Books, LLC. A national presence and anticipated future growth will ensure a continually growing selection of used books and even faster shipping to Thrift Books’ customers.

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