We Really Love Our Planet
Learn more about our pledge to promote a more sustainable future.
Our Climate Pledges
7% of Profits are Donated to The Ocean Cleanup
Our mission is to contribute to efforts to tackle ocean pollution by donating 7% of our profits—1% for each of the seven seas—to The Ocean Cleanup, a leading organization in ocean restoration. We aim to make a difference, one book at a time. Click here to learn more about their mission and how you can help.
Used Book Return Program
It’s a fact that our actions as humans inevitably result in some form of waste. As a book seller, we are aware of the impact that books can have on the environment if not handled responsibly. That’s why we make it our mission to encourage the reuse of books through our Used Book Return Program, in order to minimize waste.
How to Participate
Step 1: Shop the Seven Seas of Literature
Every purchase ye make at Black & Barhe automatically sets sail a portion of our profits toward The Ocean Cleanup — 7% to be exact, one percent for each of the seven seas. No forms to fill, no boxes to tick. Ye simply buy a book ye love and the rest takes care of itself.
Step 2: Choose Yer Format Wisely
We carry new and used titles across 100,000+ books — and every used book ye choose is one less printed, shipped, and wasted. We don't run a warehouse full of excess inventory either; our books ship direct from the source, which means less handling, less waste, and more doubloons going where they matter.
Step 3: Return Yer Read Books (Coming Soon)
We believe a good book deserves more than one reader. Our Used Book Return Program is on the horizon — send us yer read books and earn credit toward yer next voyage. Because the most sustainable book is the one already written. Stay tuned, matey.
Frequently asked questions
How do I Participate?
Easier than navigating by the stars, mate. When ye make a purchase from Black & Barhe, ye're already part of the crew. No forms, no opt-ins, no secret handshakes — 7% of our profits sets sail to The Ocean Cleanup automatically with every order. If ye want to go further, ye can make an additional donation directly through The Ocean Cleanup's website. Every doubloon counts.
Are You Open to New Environmental Partnerships?
Aye, always. If ye represent an organization doing genuine, meaningful work for the planet and believe there's a worthy voyage to be sailed together, we'd love to hear from ye. Send a message to our crew and let's talk. We're selective — we'd rather have one true alliance than a deck full of empty flags — but the right partnership is always worth exploring.
Where does the 7% actually go?
Every month, 7% of Black & Barhe's profits are sent directly to The Ocean Cleanup — a Netherlands-based nonprofit developing advanced technologies to rid the world's oceans and rivers of plastic. They're not just talkin' the talk, mate; they've already removed millions of kilograms of plastic from the Pacific and beyond. Ye can learn more about their work and track their progress at theoceancleanup.com.
Why books and ocean cleanup — what's the connection?
Knowledge be the most powerful weapon against ignorance, and ignorance be the root of most of the world's damage. Every book that finds a new reader plants a seed — of curiosity, of empathy, of awareness. We believe that a world of readers is a world more likely to give a damn about the planet it lives on. The ocean doesn't need our pity; it needs informed, passionate people willing to fight for it. That's the crew we're trying to build, one book at a time.
Do you have a warehouse full of stock?
Nay — and that's by design. Black & Barhe operates without a physical warehouse or stockpile of inventory. Our books ship direct from the source, which means no overproduction, no excess stock gathering dust, and no unnecessary handling in the chain. It's a leaner, cleaner way to run a bookstore, and we reckon George and Henry would approve.