Frequently Asked Questions
Are e-books better for the environment than physical books?
It depends on how many books you read. Manufacturing a standard e-reader produces about 30 kg of CO2. A new paperback produces about 1 kg of CO2. So an e-reader breaks even after roughly 30 books (assuming no charging emissions). If you read 20+ books per year, an e-reader is lower carbon within 2 years.
What is the carbon footprint of a single e-reader?
A standard e-ink e-reader (like a Kindle) has a manufacturing carbon footprint of around 25-35 kg CO2e, according to lifecycle assessments. Annual charging adds about 1 kg CO2e. A tablet has a much higher manufacturing footprint of 60-80 kg CO2e and higher energy use, making it harder to offset vs. books.
Does buying used books reduce the carbon footprint?
Yes significantly. A used book's carbon cost is mainly transport and handling - roughly 0.1 kg CO2e vs 1.0 kg for a new book. An avid reader who buys mostly used books will have a lower footprint than an e-reader user for many years. Libraries have the lowest per-book footprint of all, essentially near zero for each title borrowed.
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This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Results are based on assumptions and may not reflect actual outcomes. Consult qualified professionals in relevant fields before making important decisions based on these results.