Printed materials: How we can be better stewards of a consumable resource

By: Angela Chambers

With the many technological advances, the printed book, magazine or newspaper seem to be on their way out. E-readers, tablets, smartphones and the like are sweeping the nation. Not only does this help with reducing the need for extra storage in your home, it also has positive impacts for the environment. A study conducted by the San Francisco Chronicle tells us the “National Resources Defense Council estimates the U.S. publishing industry uses more than 1.5 million metric tons of paper each year”. With each printed book producing nearly 8.85 pounds of carbon dioxide, the cost of holding a physical book extends beyond the price you pay at the cash register.

Here are a couple ways to reduce the amount of paper used each year:
*Use an e-reader, tablet or other electronic device
*Check out books from your local library
*Buy books from a used bookstore
*Trade books with your friends or your children’s friends to keep your personal library fresh & exciting
*Plant trees

Organizations such as "Eco-Libris" take a compromising approach to this issue. Instead of taking a hard and fast stance on the elimination of printed books altogether, they encourage individuals to "plant a tree for every book you read". For avid readers this may seem overwhelming. Regardless of whether or not it is possible, it does bring about awareness to the consumable resources that is trees and causes us to consider how we can be good stewards. Click on the links below to learn more:

 

Tell a friend

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Eco-Libris? Click here

 

Green Mooching!

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Eco-Libris? Click here

 

References:

Davis Kho. (December 4, 2011). “E-readers or print books – which is greener.” The San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved from http://www.sfgate.com/green/article/E-readers-or-print-books-which-is-greener-2344252.php

Eco-Libris website. Retrieved from http://www.ecolibris.net/bookmooch_collab.asp  on November 24, 2012