If you’re anything like me, you’re book obsessed. Ordering new physical books on the reg and quickly overflowing every shelf in your home. And while snuggling up with a novel is one of life’s best treasures, the over-consumption of paper—and the clutter that comes with it—isn’t as amazing.

To combat those worries but still keep up with my love for reading, I had a great idea, if I do say so myself. Enter: a sustainable, environmentally-friendly, minimal book club!

What exactly does that mean? Instead of constantly buying new books or having to read something designated each month, like in traditional book clubs (which I kinda hate), it’s simply an idea to swap books you love instead. Here’s how it works:

1. Meet up with your friends every so often and bring 2 books from your crowded shelves.
2. Once you’re all together, everyone should take a couple minutes to explain the book they brought and why. How’d it make you feel? Who do you think would connect to it most?
3. Put all books in a pile.
4. After each book is described, take turns picking one book from the pile to take home with you. Once everyone picks one time, go back around the circle the other way, choosing your second book to borrow.
5. If you want your books back, mark your name in the book. If you want to keep the sharing vibes going, tell your friend who gets the book to pass it on!
6. Meet up a month or two later and repeat!

No more buying new books, but you still get the pleasure of discovering new reads! Plus, no more having to figure out what to read next and ordering it (which if you think about it, is just another task in life.)

You can also do this with long-distance friends; just mail the books instead of doing the book club in person. A swap like this would also be great for clothing, decor, beauty products, or anything else you have excess of but don’t necessarily need any longer.

Happy sustainable swapping!

P.S. Here are 3 of my most favorite books ever.

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