Our Approach to Sustainability
At Transient Books, we create handbound books designed to last for years, with longevity at their core.
Like in the good ol' days: you're investing in a business model based on longevity, not programmed obsolescence.
Our approach is simple: use responsible materials, minimize waste, and make thoughtful choices at every step of our process. We are always working to reduce our impact while continuing to improve how we operate.
What This Means for Your Book
- Made with responsibly sourced and FSC-certified papers
- Crafted using non-toxic and low-waste methods
- Designed for longevity, not disposability
-
100% vegan: no leather or animal-derived materials
- Produced in a small, efficient workshop focused on quality over mass production
Materials & Sourcing
Whenever possible, we use recycled papers and binder’s board. When recycled options are not available, we prioritize FSC-certified papers, which come from responsibly managed forests. We also seek out chlorine-free paper options and work with suppliers who follow environmentally responsible practices. When feasible, we source materials locally to reduce transportation impact.
Low-Waste Production
We aim to reuse nearly all paper, board, and bookcloth offcuts generated in our studio. Materials that cannot be reused in our own work are shared with local schools and neighbors for creative projects and educational use. The remaining materials are sorted and sent to recycling partners.
Reuse & Studio Practices
Our workshop is built from repurposed furniture and storage solutions made from materials already on hand. From shelving to workstations, we continually look for ways to reuse before buying new. This approach reduces waste and keeps useful materials in circulation.
Printing
We use inkjet printers with refillable ink tanks, eliminating the need for disposable ink cartridges and significantly reducing plastic waste.
Packaging
We keep our packaging minimal while ensuring your book arrives safely. Whenever possible, we use materials that are recycled, recyclable, or both.
Many of our packaging components are sourced from EcoEnclose, a Colorado-based company dedicated to sustainable packaging solutions, including recycled-content and recyclable materials.
Some materials, such as clear sleeves and padded mailers, have different end-of-life options depending on their composition and local recycling programs. We aim to choose the most responsible options available while maintaining the level of protection your book requires.
Efficient Resource Use
Our studio uses low-energy LED lighting, avoids bottled water, and minimizes single-use plastics wherever possible. We heat our workspace using a wood stove fueled by untreated scrap materials from our own production.
Shipping & Purchasing
We consolidate shipments whenever possible and prioritize suppliers closer to us to reduce transportation impact. While shipping has an environmental cost, we continue to look for ways to make it more efficient and responsible.
Reforestation
In our region of central Argentina, native forests have been heavily reduced over time. On the land where we live and work, we actively protect and propagate native tree species, contributing in a small but meaningful way to local restoration. (We are so proud of how big our native trees have gotten in the last 25 years!)
Community Involvement
Together with our family and neighbors, we regularly participate in local clean-up efforts along nearby rivers and natural areas. We also support and engage with community initiatives focused on recycling, conservation, and environmental awareness.
Our Way of Working
The way we live is closely connected to the way we work. Our studio sits just steps from our home, which allows us to avoid daily commuting and operate at a slower, more intentional pace. This rhythm shapes how we approach our craft: with focus, care, and an emphasis on long-term thinking over speed.
We maintain an organic garden, compost our household waste, and raise free-range chickens. These everyday practices keep us closely connected to the materials we use, the waste we generate, and the choices we make. They influence how we run our workshop and reinforce our commitment to reducing impact wherever possible.
This quieter, more deliberate way of life supports the kind of work we believe in: thoughtful, durable, and made with respect for both people and the environment.
Ongoing Commitment
We know there is always more to do. We regularly review our materials and processes to find better options as they become available. Our goal is to keep improving while creating books that are meaningful, lasting, and responsibly made.
