Reading is the best way for many people to relax. But have you ever considered which option is better for the environment: a paper book or an e-book?
The benefits of e-books
E-books are more popular than ever. An e-reader can store hundreds of books and takes up less space. However, producing an e-reader requires a lot of energy and resources, which can be harmful to the environment. Fortunately, this is offset if you read at least 25 e-books in five years; then the impact is lower than if you were to buy the same number of paper books.
Paper books: Still a favorite
Paper books remain the favorite. But their production is not without consequences. Trees are cut down, and paper production consumes a lot of energy and produces CO2 emissions. For 120 paper books, this amounts to 153 kilograms of CO2.
What is more sustainable?
Experts say an e-reader is more environmentally friendly if you read enough books on it. But if you only read occasionally, or buy used books, a paperback can be just as sustainable.
In short, both options have pros and cons. So the next time you pick up a book, consider what's best for you and the environment.
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