Read, Reuse, Recycle
Leeds Libraries is committed to reducing our carbon footprint and helping people who live, work or study in Leeds to do the same.
We have signed up to the Green Libraries Manifesto, hosted by CILIP in partnership with Arts Council England, British Library, Libraries Connected and Julie’s Bicycle.
Our main goals are:
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To better understand and take informed steps to reduce carbon impacts across Leeds Libraries.
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To provide relevant and accessible climate and sustainable living information resources for the public and our staff.
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To engage with citizens, communities, staff, partners and stakeholders to promote meaningful change, to use our influence to encourage climate empathy, and to help residents take practical action to reduce their carbon footprint.
Why borrowing books is better for the planet
The average paperback has a carbon footprint of 1 kg. People in Leeds reduced their carbon footprints by over 2,550,000kg in the past year by borrowing rather than buying books. That’s about 1,300 flights from Leeds to New York! Using eBooks, magazines, newspapers and eAudio has an even lower impact.
You can find a wide selection of books and resources on various aspects of sustainability on our online catalogue, or request a book if we don’t stock it.
Check out our list of Green Reads recommendations
Green events
We run sustainability themed events and activities, such as talks on how to get involved in the green movement or grow your own food. In October, we take part in Green Libraries Week, which celebrates the environmental work of libraries across the UK.
Actions we’re taking:
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A team of climate champions will be working together across community hubs and libraries to implement these goals, monitor our progress and come up with new ways to be sustainable.
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We invest in relevant new books on sustainability topics and in digital resources and eBooks.
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We are currently working with Incredible Edible to pilot seed libraries in selected libraries and community hubs.
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We support colleagues to undertake Carbon Literacy training.
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Libraries and community hubs run winter coat appeals, in partnership with Zero Waste Leeds.
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We collaborate with local climate and sustainability groups on projects to engage with communities. If you are part of group and would like to find out more please get in touch with us at leeds.libraries@leeds.gov.uk