In 2008 the American book and magazine industry sector was responsible for the felling of 125 million trees. A lot of publishers are environmentally aware and use sustainably sourced wood pulp for their paper. Put it another way, they plant a tree for every one they chop down. However, not all do this and even those who do frequently neglect to take account of the vast quantities of water and thermal energy employed during the paper making process.

The carbon footprint of the typical 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 purchase your book, and then drive home again, the carbon footprint of that book is doubled. It’s incredible how comparatively small actions such as this make such a difference.

So it shouldn’t be a surprise to learn that e-book readers – such as the Amazon Kindle – are kinder to the environment. Besides the fact that no paper, ink or water are used in the publication of electronic books, the delivery method – download from the internet employing either standard connection or 3G wireless technology – is significantly more environmentally friendly.

However, it would be wrong to imply that e-book readers have zero environmental impact. Clearly they use both materials and energy in the course of the production process of the reader device. They also require electrical power to operate. However, even taking these factors into account, they are still much better for the environment than the ongoing use of conventional printed books, magazines and newspapers.

It is anticipated that in 2009, e-book readers will be “carbon neutral” – the CO2 saved by employing digital media will almost exactly balance the CO2 used to manufacture and power the devices. Thereafter, as usage grows, 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.

Most 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 only be a secondary consideration for many – even so, it will have a very positive impact in the future.