Crafting Sustainability: A Personal Journey in Bookbinding with Renewable and Earth-Friendly Materials

As a lover of handmade items, I have always believed that respect for craftsmanship goes hand-in-hand with caring for the world in which we live. I think the love and time that goes into crafting a handmade item prompts us to appreciate it more.

The quality of numerous items has declined, from our homes and cars to clothing and even books. In this post, I aim to explain how the material quality of books has deteriorated, provide a brief history of bookbinding, and highlight the artisans who still practice this craft. I hope to foster a new appreciation for this art. Additionally, I will discuss sustainable shipping practices and encourage other small businesses to adopt similar methods and reduce plastic use.

Eco-friendly packaging at its best: a 100% compostable bubble mailer, perfect for sustainable shipping.

When Did the Quality of Physical Books Start Going Downhill?

The quality of physical books began to decline in the mid-to-late 19th century with the shift to mass production. Traditionally, books were made with rag-based paper, sewn bindings, and durable covers, but as demand grew, publishers sought cheaper materials and faster manufacturing methods.

The introduction of wood pulp paper in the mid-1800s significantly reduced costs, but it also contained acids that caused pages to yellow and become brittle over time. Acidic paper, typically made from untreated wood pulp, gradually yellows, becomes brittle, and crumbles, as the lignin in the fibers breaks down and releases acids. This process is accelerated by exposure to light, heat, and humidity, leading to fragile pages that easily tear or disintegrate. If you've ever seen a vintage book (especially paperback) and wondered why it was so discolored, it is because they were printed on low-quality, untreated and acidic wood pulp paper, which deteriorates over time due to the high lignin content. Acid free, archival quality paper such as is used by Handmade Cactus Bindery has been treated to neutralize the lignin and will not yellow or degrade in this manner.

By the mid-20th century, the rise of perfect binding, especially for paperbacks, further reduced longevity, as pages were simply glued to the spine rather than sewn. This would typically be done with thermal glue, also known as hot melt adhesive. While thermal glue is a fast and cost-effective method for mass-produced books, it is a poor choice for long-term durability. Thermal glue tends to become brittle over time, leading to cracked spines and loose pages. It also lacks flexibility, preventing books from opening flat, which makes reading near the spine difficult. The adhesive can weaken with age, especially in humid or very dry conditions, causing pages to detach, and unlike sewn bindings, which can be repaired, books bound with thermal glue are difficult to fix once the glue starts to break down. If the thermal glue is poor quality its degradation over time can release acidic byproducts that can leak into the paper and deteriorate that as well.

As mass-market publishing expanded, cost-cutting measures led to thinner paper, weaker bindings, and lower-quality materials, prioritizing affordability over durability. Despite this decline, high-quality bookbinding still exists today in specialty presses, handmade books, and fine editions, though it is no longer the industry standard.

Combatting Fast Fashion and Consumerism Through Quality Items that are Made to Last

We live in a culture of disposability, but why? Handmade items offer a sustainable alternative to fast fashion and consumerism by prioritizing quality over quantity and encouraging a more mindful approach to consumption. Unlike mass-produced goods, handmade products are crafted with care, skill, and attention to detail, ensuring each piece is unique and made to last. This reduces the need for constant replacement, a hallmark of fast fashion, which relies on cheap, disposable items that contribute to environmental degradation and overconsumption. By supporting handmade goods, consumers are investing in slow fashion, which values longevity and craftsmanship over mass production, and can last for generations to come. Additionally, buying handmade items often means supporting small businesses and local artisans, promoting a more sustainable and ethical supply chain. This shift helps reduce the overall demand for mass-produced items, encourages reduced waste, and fosters a more conscious, values-driven approach to consumer choices.

At Handmade Cactus Bindery, every book I create is crafted with care and meticulous attention to detail. I take pride in making items that people will cherish for years. This philosophy extends beyond my work; it reflects a lifestyle that encourages mindful consumption. When we support these practices, we challenge the status quo of consumerism and promote more mindful living.

Ethical Shipping Practices Matter

Even with sustainable products, I noticed that environmental impact stretches beyond the items themselves. This prompted me to evaluate how to reduce my carbon footprint through shipping.

At Handmade Cactus Bindery, I use shipping materials that are 100% biodegradable. For instance, my bubble mailers are made from plant-based materials, while the envelopes are crafted from recycled kraft paper. These materials reduce greenhouse gases by nearly 70% compared to traditional plastic options. Additionally, my shipping tape is fully recyclable and biodegradable. Each of these steps reflects my commitment to an eco-friendly approach that continues beyond my little studio.

This is the packaging my books are shipped in.

Moving Forward Together

As I continue my bookbinding journey with renewable materials, I am motivated to push the boundaries of what is possible. Each book symbolizes a chance to promote sustainable living and consumption, and invest in something crafted to last.

Crafting with intention is not just about starting a business; it is a commitment to a healthier planet. By focusing on renewable materials and ethical shipping practices, we can counter the fast fashion mentality and foster a culture that values quality and longevity.

Let us move forward together—building a community that appreciates the beauty of handmade items and the resources they come from. By reshaping consumerism into a more ethical and sustainable practice, we create a better future for generations to come.

Together, one book at a time, we can craft a brighter tomorrow.