In 2008 the US book and magazine industry sector was responsible for the felling of 125 million trees. Many publishing firms are environmentally aware and use sustainably sourced wood pulp for their paper. In plain English, they plant a tree for each one they cut down. However, not all do this and even those who do often fail to take account of the enormous quantities of water and thermal energy required during the paper making process.
The carbon footprint of the average book is 7.5 kg of CO2 over the course of its lifetime. However, if you get in your car, drive to the bookstore to buy your book, and then drive home again, the carbon footprint of your book is doubled. It’s incredible how comparatively small actions like this make such a difference.
So it should be no surprise to discover that digital book readers – such as the Amazon Kindle – are better for the environment. Apart from the fact that no paper, ink or water are used in the manufacture of electronic books, the delivery method – download from the internet employing either standard connection or 3G wireless technology – is considerably more environmentally friendly.
However, it would be wrong to imply that e-book readers have no environmental impact. Obviously they use both materials and energy during the production process of the reader device. They also need electrical power to operate. However, even taking these factors into account, they are still much better for the environment than the continued use of conventional printed books, magazines and newspapers.
It is predicted that in 2009, e-book readers will be “carbon neutral” – the CO2 saved by using digital media will almost exactly balance the CO2 used to manufacture and power the devices. Thereafter, as usage increases, the manufacture and operating “cost” will be more than offset by the savings [spin|gained|obtained[/spin] by avoiding the production and distribution of traditional paper based books and magazines.
The majority of people will buy their Kindle reader based on the fact that it’s handy, trendy and that it offers a way for them to save money on books. The fact that it’s better for the environment may be no more than a secondary consideration for many – even so, it will have a very positive effect in the future.