Are E-Readers Greener Than Books?

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First Posted: 09- 1-09 08:19 AM   |   Updated: 10-17-09 05:12 AM

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nytimes.com:

A new study analyzing the Amazon Kindle electronic book reader's impact on the environment suggests that, on average, the carbon emitted over the life of the device is offset after the first year of use.

Read the whole story: nytimes.com

A new study analyzing the Amazon Kindle electronic book reader's impact on the environment suggests that, on average, the carbon emitted over the life of the device is offset after the first year of u...
A new study analyzing the Amazon Kindle electronic book reader's impact on the environment suggests that, on average, the carbon emitted over the life of the device is offset after the first year of u...
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- Humanistic I'm a Fan of Humanistic 27 fans permalink
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Personal preference will determine which is more desirable. Assuming the support structure for internet communications and data transfer remain in place, eBooks will garner an ever greater share of the market. Libraries will continue to lose financial support.

But let's step back from the assumption that our civilization will continue to survive and evolve in the manner to which we've all become accustomed. We've recently witnessed the breakdown of financial institutions worldwide. There's no reason to assume that energy systems and technology won't also be interrupted. There are several different scenarios for total wipe-out, which can't be dismissed.

At some point in time, as long periods of electricity black-outs hit us, we may end up having to use flashlights under the covers, or candles on the table like Lincoln. That is when old-fashioned books will be irreplaceable (like the candles). A wise person will keep their prized volumes, while enjoying the screen views too.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 11:28 PM on 09/30/2009
- tonybeach I'm a Fan of tonybeach 3 fans permalink
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I really think this is the best section at Huffington Posts....because every day I see new things on here that are helping to change the world 24/7....Way to go Green-Living!
Anthony Beach

Please feel free to share how your changing the world daily here to millions of bloggers....
http://www.blogcatalog.com/discuss/entry/change-the-world-wednesday-challenge

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 01:50 PM on 09/02/2009
- gbrooks I'm a Fan of gbrooks 107 fans permalink
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I'll just say this: if there's ever a "green" push to replace paper books with e-books, I will know that you've gone way too far.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 07:11 PM on 09/01/2009
- buddhish I'm a Fan of buddhish 21 fans permalink
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i have to say though, they need to get more books on there. there's a LOT available, but there are a lot of holes. i mean, you can't even get harry potter on the kindle!!! WTF??

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 01:22 PM on 09/01/2009
- buddhish I'm a Fan of buddhish 21 fans permalink
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not only does it feel good to be more eco efficient/friendly, it's also a relief to no longer have like 20 books stacked next to my bed, knowing i'll only read half of them. i've been using a kindle for about a year now and for the first time since i can remember, my night stand isn't cluttered!!!

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 01:21 PM on 09/01/2009
- condor101 I'm a Fan of condor101 52 fans permalink

And did you know that Amazon can modify/delete your books at anytime?
Yes, they remotely deleted Orwell's book "1984" last month from thousands of Kindles.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 07:28 PM on 09/01/2009
- ranch111 I'm a Fan of ranch111 7 fans permalink
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I'll take a real book any time over these gadgets. In fact, I'll borrow some from the library. How radically simple.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 12:58 PM on 09/01/2009

Yes, the public library! Greenest.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 02:45 PM on 09/01/2009

I've owned a Kindle 2 since March and don't know what I did without it.

I have hundreds of books but space was becoming a real issue so now I can have as many books at my finger tips as I want without worry.

For work, travel, etc. I have found the medium really easy and comfortable to adapt to and now I am never bored if I have to hurry up and wait somewhere; I just pull out my Kindle and start reading.......simply bliss!

I rarely buy DTB (dead tree books) any more unless it's a signed first edition that I just have to have for my collection :)

As will all new technology, there will be bumps along the way but for now, I couldn't be happier. Now if they would just provide some folders.........heh

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 12:46 PM on 09/01/2009
- condor101 I'm a Fan of condor101 52 fans permalink

And do you know that Amazon can delete and/or modify the contents of your e-book at anytime, without notice?
Sleep well, Big Brother has arrived in your hands.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 02:51 PM on 09/01/2009

Other than deleting bootlegged versions of Huxley's books, I have not heard Amazon deleting, modifying or even being remotely interested in the contents of mine or anyone else's Kindle.

Frankly, I have no problem with them removing such books as I firmly believe the artist should profit and retain the rights and financial rewards from their work; stealing sucks no matter who is doing it. All of the Kindle owners were reimbursed for inadvertently buying books which shouldn't have been for sale in the first place. Due to uproar, Amazon learned a valuable lesson in how to proceed should this issue come up again.

And as for Big Brother.......you're kidding, right?! You use a computer and no doubt have a cell phone so I hardly think you are as incognito as you would wish if someone, somewhere had the interest and the means/skills to look you up.........just sayin' :)

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 03:25 PM on 09/01/2009
- Alarmist I'm a Fan of Alarmist 13 fans permalink
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I'm wondering this myself, if an e-reader is better than a library book.

An e-reader is much like an iPod, no? Where it's an electrical gadget, meant to be a fad toy for tech-lovers. After a year or so, the battery will wear out, and replacing it costs as much as the original gadget, so you may as well buy a new e-reader. By the time the 3rd version of Kindle comes out, it's regharging cords and sockets will have changed, meaning you can't buy replacement parts for your original one. You must buy a new one. So, the landfills start filling up with useless Kindles, just like it is now filled with old cell phones. A paper book, can be made out of recycled paper. But a Kindle is all new material, and does not biodegrade.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 12:40 PM on 09/01/2009
- condor101 I'm a Fan of condor101 52 fans permalink

I would only Buy a Sony Reader or another brand where the reader does not delete or alter my books or documents.
After the fiasco 2 months ago, whereby Amazon deleted George Orwells' book "1984" from all KIndles, electronically, I am very upset at the idea that a company can delete my book, or worse........alter the pages!!!!
Can you imagine if books could be deleted and/or modified at the will of some NeoCon or other person with an agenda???......or by the government???

Well, Amazon Kindle is definitely OFF my list. An E-Reader will be popular as time passes, but it will be important to choose your purchases very carefully.

NO AMAZON KINDLE!!!!

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 11:37 AM on 09/01/2009
- LCRover001 I'm a Fan of LCRover001 20 fans permalink

Who needs to burn books when you can digitalize them all then delete, gone forever?

The beauty of books is no matter who decides to burn them or how many somewhere there are a few that remain and can never be destroyed.

Books can be made of recycled paper and should.

These gadgets will be obsolete year after year and then what?

They can not be recycled and like all technology they are obsolete the monument they are purchased.

A well cared for book can last generations.

No one can change the words on the pages because they disagree.

Music is one thing but to do this is going down a slippery slope that "1984" warns about.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 01:14 PM on 09/01/2009
- lilpeg I'm a Fan of lilpeg 2 fans permalink

More things about books vs. kindle
11. You can read a book for days and days without having to charge it up.
12. You can read a book in the bathtub and, if you drop it ,dry it off and keep on reading.
13. You can read a book in bed with a flashlight under the covers.
14. You can use a book as a chairleg prop or a door stop or a something to hold down freshly-glued furniture veneer.
15. You can donate a book to a school or Goodwill or turn it into money by re-selling it on Amazon(!!).
16. You can turn the pages of a book and enjoy that wonderful musty smell.
17. You can turn down the corners of the pages of a book to mark a place.
18. You can read a book to a child and enjoy the illustrations or the pop-up features together. (I've read that Kindle does not handle illustrations well.) You can enjoy a book's cover art everyday.
19. You can cry over a book and leave a tear-stained page.
20. You can give a book as a gift and write something inside the cover.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 10:14 AM on 09/01/2009
- Lordsuhn I'm a Fan of Lordsuhn 4 fans permalink

More things, this time in the form of direct rebuttle.

11. No reads for days on end - take a nap, your Kindle can charge in that time.
12. Books do not survive immersion in water - Seriously wait till the bath is over.
13. You can read kindle in bed with a flashlight under the covers.
14. I prefer to use my books for reading.
15. You can donate your Kindle or resell it. Again, not the primary purpose.
16. A sentimental preference for some. I suggest having a book handy to sniff while reading your Kindle.
17. Again, you can mark Kindle pages (simulated dog ears)
18. Currently, a valid point. (Get on it Amazon!)
19. Sentimental - But I am certain that tears can land on a Kindle. Never tear stained a book personally.
20. You can give a Kindle as a gift and write something on every page if you want, and give lots of books.

bonus: I can check google, wikipedia, Huffington Post or any other website with my Kindle for free!

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 12:23 PM on 09/01/2009
- gbrooks I'm a Fan of gbrooks 107 fans permalink
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Not only is there no mention of the battery, there's no mention of these things:

1. I inherited my uncle and my grandmother's books. They are special to me.
2. All my books lined up on the walls provide insulation AND entertainment.
3. Amazon can decide, on a whim, to take back the books.
4. You can't lend this "book" out in the same way.
5. If the book stinks, it's kindling in the fireplace or traded.
6. I can build a fort out of my books.
7. My books don't disappear when the electricity goes out and I can't recharge batteries.
8. My books will never become obsolete technology.
9. I can write in the margins of my books and keep returning to them as a reference.
10. I can use post-it-notes to tab my books.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 09:59 AM on 09/01/2009
- ajm8127 I'm a Fan of ajm8127 2 fans permalink

Huh, not one mention of the words "lithium" or "battery" in that article.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 09:06 AM on 09/01/2009
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