Kindle Green?

I think it is fair to say the both Brick and Mortar and Tree book distribution idustrial complex and digital distribution complex are deep, firmly established and extensive. It would be interesting to see some studies on the ecological footprint of both. It is kind of like trying to make an argument for the “greeness” of bicycles without considering the significant infrastructure required to design, manufacture and distribute bicycles.
Here are my personal observations on the use of ebooks and why I have scanned every one of the hundreds of books in my library at home and have been converting them to Kindle books:
1. my aging and declining (due to glaucoma) eyes simply can’t read physical books any more. There is not enough contrast between page and characters and no way to dynamically change the font size as I needed it.
2. my wife’s allergies are activated by the dust, mold and mites that accumulate within books over time. Digital books have solved this problem entirely.
3. I can take notes on my Kindle books, synchronize them to the web, where I can paste them into in number of documents I am working on, not to mention the backup scenario this represents.
4. I no longer have to decide which books I take with me on a trip. I take them all.
5. The Kindle allows me browse the web and read articles without the eye-killing effects of back-lite screens, which are very difficult for anyone with aging or defective eyes.
6. I am able to proofread documents digitally without ever printing them by downloading the text into my Kindle (from my cloud server). I then work through my notes with the Kindle on my side while I correct the document on my workstation.
7. When I attend class, I use three Kindles: one for the text, one for notes and one for browsing the web. With three kindles i have replaced a full, back-breaking backpack with devices that take care of all my needs, and I don’t have to find a seat close to an outlet (as was the case when i went to class with a laptop).
8. Without books we are able to live in a smaller space with cleaner air.
9. I use public transportation and my Kindle allows me to keep track of my email, read the news, read for pleasure, read for work and it doesn’t matter how long the ride takes. 10. With the Kindle my back is happier, my eyes are happier and my lungs are happier. … Il Matto …