Manga collecting, at its core, isn't very sustainable, with pages after pages of ink and printed paper, the carbon emissions from shipping, and waste after receiving your beloved hauls. While 100% sustainability is far from being attained, little progress is still progress, so we've laid out a couple of tips to help save our planet without compromising the joy of collecting physical manga. We hope you won't be indifferent to our environmental impacts.
We believe that patience and self-control are the keys to a better planet.
Patiently ship items in bulk
We know how tempting books are, especially when it's freshly arrived. However, buying one book at a time isn't very sustainable (and not financially efficient). We recommend ordering books but not shipping them immediately; just input the order notes to put it on hold. Keep it with us and have it shipped when it has accumulated. So far, with our new office, our warehouse space can handle it.
These are the recommended amount of regular-sized books to consolidate to achieve boxes via GoGo Xpress as the courier:
- 1-3 books - Lighter parcels are more likely to be carelessly thrown by the couriers. So with that in mind, it has way more packaging = more waste.
- 4-14 books are heavier and packed in a box with a bigger pouch. Still not very sustainable, but better than multiple one-book orders. If you reach P3,000 in a single charge, shipping is also free!
- 15+ books - We recommend holding books until it reaches the 15-book amount so we can ship your books in a box. It is safely handled (since it's heavy and the courier's name is on the box, it would ruin their image if it's damaged). No pouches and not much bubble wrap (as it'll be primarily cartons and paper), but it still arrives at you safely. Hey, chances are, shipping is also free.
Patiently have it courier-delivered
We discourage same-day delivery as the number of carbon emissions a single motorcycle handling only one package can emit is too much than a typical courier rider taking 10+ deliveries to multiple destinations. The same goes for how layover flights are better than direct flights.
If you don't mind the points earned, shopping books on Shopee helps too, as Shopee's couriers handle it.
Do you want to know a secret? We can have your consolidations shipped via Shopee. Just chat with us, and we can transfer your held books to Shopee. If paid, we'll have to refund you, and you'll have to check them out again with a 4% price increase to cover Shopee's transaction fees. Shopee riders will handle your parcel, and since these riders have a lot to deliver, it's way more efficient. They also do not require pouches, so we can cover your parcel in boxes (if it's many)! Isn't that neat?
Patiently collect plastics
Of course, not everyone can afford to buy in bulk or can consolidate. Suppose you have a lot of parcels delivered to you; best to keep your bubble wraps and courier pouches. Carefully open your packages so the plastics are still neat, and ensure they remain dry and away from liquid or food residue. Plastic drop-off points around the country accept these types of plastics and others, such as bottles and face shields (not face masks). Please make an effort to find your nearest drop-off point for plastics.
- Ayala Malls have drop-off points on some days, especially The District malls. Check Green Antz Builders and your mall's social media channels for more information.
- Some branches of Decathlon and Jollibee in the Metro are also plastic drop-off points. Check with The PLAF for more details.
Patiently pick up your books.
With our physical office opening soon, if you're near, we encourage you to hold then pick up your orders physically, so there's no need for any packaging. (And best to commute your way to us to avoid personal transportation emissions!) Of course, it's best if you bring a bag to carry them! (We plan to offer eco-Bonbon points for that!). Not just with manga, but please make it a habit to bring your shopping bag (may it be eco or basket) with you when you plan to buy something outside. And no, it won't look lame.
Patiently wait for stocks.
Box sets are fantastic. It's efficient, space-saving, pretty, and you can save a lot. If your favorite series has a box set, we recommend ordering that instead. Although box sets are the rarest to have reprints, if it's popular, they will get reprints, even if it takes years. We're sure you know that good things come to those who wait. :)
Backorders and pre-orders are more eco-friendly than on-hands. Letting us know which books to buy and stock saves us the trouble of guessing which ones to stock—that will eventually sit on the shelf, most likely to be plastic sealed by us for the physical store. Backorders and pre-orders also help publishers know enough copies to print to avoid overstock.
Patiently save up for buying in "whole."
Even though it may not be for everyone's taste, better than box sets are omnibus—it's thick and looks weird on the shelf. However, it's still a way to officially support your favorite works without breaking the bank and excessive production effort. Omnibuses typically use thinner paper, fewer unnecessary and blank pages, and are cheaper than buying it individually.
This mindset also works beyond manga. For example, instead of buying sachet after sachet of shampoo, try to save up on buying a giant bottle. Not only it's better plastic-quantity-wise, but you won't have to buy it again and again since you have plenty in stock—it works well for emergencies too. (Try to avoid overstocking, though, that's still bad for the environment.)
One thing too, if your household isn't segregating yet, there's no other better time to start than now. Separate bottles—and paper; your local junk shop can convert these into change.
Other tips
- We discourage using plastic sleeves on manga—if you can sew, try making fabric book sleeves instead.
- If you like a book, but you're not 100% convinced to own it, try owning it officially and digitally instead. Although it's not everyone's preference, you're still supporting it.
- Let us know if you don't need bubble wrap on your parcels. We'll be generous with using paper instead.
- Let us know if you don't need bookmarks.
- Your orders from Tankobonbon's site convert to trees planted by Ecologi.
We at Tankobonbon continue to try and minimize our negative impact on the environment, but we also need your help. Please respect our planet and think of our tomorrow. We cannot fully enjoy the things we love anymore if we take nature for granted, after all. The printing industry lacks paper (although mainly for supply chain reasons).
Collectivity is essential to help our environment. Such as how commuting is better than driving your own, sharing a box for CDJapan is better than buying it yourself, using local pasabuy services, disposing of our trash properly, and so much more.
We're currently experiencing the effects of climate change. The extreme heat and unexpected storms (and our books don't love it too!) were something we're now reaping from the adverse actions before. So let's not make it even worse.