An obvious question to ask about eReaders (in general) and iPads (in particular), is how do these electronic gadgets compare to what they replace? I have some quotes (below) which contend that merely reading 25-40 books allows these pieces of technology to gain a smaller carbon footprint when compared to the equivalent number of books…

I started to consider this, and realized that while I personally have about 75 books on my iPad (at this date…); I also have hundreds of unprinted photos (which I don’t need to print since the iPad display is better). I have almost completely eliminated my personal (snail) mail, since email works better for me (another savings).

In lieu of reading magazines, I have some iPad equivalents which fulfill this need (yet another savings), and I find that I have replaced most of my media consumption on other devices with the iPad…which uses a lot less power…

So, the notion that an iPad only replaces 40 books is a bit of a misnomer regarding a carbon footprint…

Is Reading on Your iPad More Green than Paper Books?
http://gigaom.com/apple/is-reading-on-your-ipad-more-green-than-paper-books

Carbon Footprint

The report, prepared by non-profit organization the Green Press Initiative (PDF), takes into account the average lifecycle of e-reading devices, and even accounts for the general impact of the iPad (in terms of the production process used in making one) on human health when compared to that of the average book. Using Apple’s own published environmental report regarding the iPad (it’s the only e-reader / tablet maker that even publishes one), Green Press Initiative determined that an iPad is responsible for 130 kg (287 lbs.) of CO2 equivalent greenhouse gas emissions over its average lifetime. The average printed book, by contrast, is responsible for only 8.85 lbs. So, an iPad owner needs only download 32.4 books instead of purchasing paper copies in order to reach the breakeven point when it comes to carbon footprint.

Are E-Readers Greener than Books?
http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/31/are-e-readers-greener-than-books

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.

Are E-Readers Greener than Books?
http://doyourpart.com/eco-news/are-e-readers-greener-than-books

Be Sociable, Share!

•