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Which is greener Paper or eBooks?

By
Real Estate Agent with The Outer Banks Real Estate Copmpany NC 261870

At first I thought this was a no-brainer, but then I gave it some thought?

Yes traditional books kill trees Unless done on recycled paper. They themselves can be recycled, fairly easily. The easiest way is to donate them to a library.

E-books don't use paper, but there are still issues with production, and and energy used just the read them. Also let's not forget the the amazing rate at which equipment becomes obsolete in out world. How recyclable are these units going to be? 

I do use both, but I will keep my e-book reading to my laptop and not go and buy another piece of equipment just for that feature.

Bob Haywood
McGraw Realtors - Owasso, OK
BobHaywood.com

Another aspect to consider is that if paper books ever go away (like in the future), someone could control what is available and how it is written on all those ebook readers.  Kind of creepy!

Dec 17, 2009 11:13 PM
Wallace S. Gibson, CPM
Gibson Management Group, Ltd. - Charlottesville, VA
LandlordWhisperer

I LOVE my KindleDX * I used to buy 3 or 4 paperbacks a week and then have to recycle them through friends. NOW, I just go to Amazon's website, pick a book, turn on my Kindle's wireless and start reading in about 10 minutes!!!

I was in B&N yesterday, and they had their new e-reader displayed in the front of the store!!!!

Dec 17, 2009 11:17 PM
Larry Gray
Real Estate Consultant - Lakeland, FL

I guess I am just old fashion.  I like my paper books and not ebooks.  It is a lot easier to share/recycle paperbacks and many are printed on recycled paper for all you "tree huggers."

Dec 17, 2009 11:21 PM
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Jean-Paul I don't have an e-book reader, but I have read some books on my laptop. I like the idea of saving trees, but I also like to read a book off of my book shelf too. We'll see what the future will bring.

Dec 17, 2009 11:38 PM
David Helm
Helm Home Inspections - Bellingham, WA
Bellingham, Wa. Licensed Home Insp

It is not green to buy kindle, or any other books from Amazon.  Part of being green is a sustainable local economy.  Buying on the internet does not sustain your local community, and sends the green (dollars) away to another location.

Dec 18, 2009 02:03 AM
Leslie Prest
Leslie Prest, Prest Realty, Sales and Rentals in Payson, AZ - Payson, AZ
Owner, Assoc. Broker, Prest Realty, Payson,

I LOVE ebooks- my 50something eyes have trouble reading paper books if the light isn't good enough. But I don't have a separate reader for it, I have a reader app on my Palm (which I use to open my lockboxes). I'm probably going to a smartphone, and I'll put the ereader on there, also. That way I always have books with me.

Dec 18, 2009 05:48 AM
Jean-Paul Peron
The Outer Banks Real Estate Copmpany - Corolla, NC
Carova Beach - Living & Working in 4-Wheel Drive

Now that sounds like t a good way to handle things. Phone, lock box key, eBook reader, PDA all in one device. Now if we can just make that one device solar powered like a calculator.  :-)

Dec 19, 2009 03:31 AM
Bill Saunders, Realtor®
Meyers Realty - Hot Springs, AR
www.BillSellsHotSprings.com

I am thinking an issue here is longevity and durability. I know an e-reader can store tons of books, but the issues in fabrication and eventual (with possibly all to short a life) disposal are definite negatives. I have few books that are over a hundred years old...a rather enduring format.

Good discussion! Wishing all a very prosperous New Year!

Jan 04, 2010 11:46 PM