The Next Chapter: Sustainability
At Drake The Bookshop, we believe that loving books should go hand in hand with loving the planet. We’re not perfect (who is?), but every chapter of our story is becoming a little greener. Here’s how we’re working to make sure our bookshop is as kind to the environment as it is welcoming to readers.
Recycled Ink Cartridges – update
We have partnered with Recycle4Charity to collect used ink cartridges. There is collection box near the till in the shop where you can deposit your used cartridges. Once the box is full we send it off to Recycle4Charity and they pay us a donation to our Pay-it-Forward schemed for the cartridges they can recycle.
The latest box has earned us £23.25 = which will go straight onto our Pay-it-Forward board!
Recycle4Charity have a 0% landfill policy which means all the cartridges they receive are processed to recover precious, reusable and hazardous materials. Any residue or cartridges they can’t process are turned into energy for the grid.
We can’t accept laser toner cartridges but please do drop of any used cartridges you have next time you are passing! it all means more books for children and less pressure on the planet – a true win-win!
21/10/2025
What We’re Doing Already
Powering Up the Right Way
Our shop runs on renewable energy. We always choose renewable electricity suppliers and we’ve had smart meters fitted. All our lighting is with energy efficient LED bulbs, which has the added bonus of reducing our electricity bills. We also use energy efficient infra-red heaters.
📦 Planet-Friendly Packaging
Your parcels might not always look shiny and new — and that’s the point! We reuse and recycle packaging materials to keep waste down.
☕ Coffee Grounds with a Purpose
Every coffee you sip in the shop has a second life — we compost the grounds instead of sending them to landfill.
♻️ Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
From carrier bags to bubble wrap, we’re always finding ways to give materials another turn around the page.
🌍 Choosing Greener Partners
Wherever possible, we work with local suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability. For example our printing is done by local printers Norton James Design. Our coffee is supplied by Rounton Coffee Roasters, Northallerton, who are not only local but have a robust sustainability ethos as well…which we love!
What’s Next
We’re always looking at the next chapter:
- Exploring greener delivery options
- Cutting down on single-use items at events
- Working with the Books Seller Association Sustainable Bookselling Group.
- Finding new ways to reduce waste and energy use
It’s a work in progress, and like any good story, it’s always evolving.
How You Can Join In
You can help us keep things green and growing:
- Bring your own bag when you visit – we’ve never had plastic bags but even paper bags have an impact on the environment.
- Help us reuse our packaging. From supressing weeds in your garden, sending booky gifts to friends far away to running a side hustle in need of packing and posting – we’ve got cardboard and bubble wrap to go – just ask next time you’re in!
- Collect some of our coffee grounds for your garden – bring a tub and we’ll happily fill it for you.
- Share your ideas with us — we love hearing fresh green tips!
Our Promise
We know we can’t solve everything overnight, but we believe every page turned towards sustainability is a page worth turning. Together, we can keep the love of books — and the planet — alive.