Rethinking Our Reading Habits Through a Sustainability Lens

Editor: Jessica Hanafi, David Adiwijaya, and Agnes Sulistya (LCI Team)

In a world shifting toward digital convenience, the way we read is also evolving. Ebooks—offer instant access and lightweight portability. On the other hand, printed books remain beloved for their sensory appeal, focus, and sense of permanence. But beyond preference, there’s a bigger question: Which format is more sustainable? How can we read more mindfully without shifting the environmental burden elsewhere?

Printed Books: Tangible Value, Visible Footprint

Printed books offer a sensory, distraction-free experience. They’re easier on the eyes, help to focus, and often lead to deeper understanding. They may last longer physically, and culturally—books handed down or shared in communities have a circular quality. Their environmental benefit improves with time: the longer they’re read, kept, or passed on, the lower their impact per use. This aligns with circular economy thinking, where longevity and reuse lower the environmental footprint of a product.

Yet, printed books also carry an environmental cost. They consume trees, water, ink, and energy for production and transport. A study by Wells, Boucher, Laurent, and Villeneuve (2012) estimated that the carbon footprint of a paperback book was approximately 2.7 kg CO₂e per copy, based on a specific print run where emission reduction measures were applied. Even with efforts to use FSC-certified or recycled paper, large-scale production and one-time use remain challenges. Still, a printed book that’s reread, shared, or donated can reduce its per-use impact.

Ebooks & E-Readers: Digital Ease, Embedded Impact

E-books excel in portability and minimalism. They save physical space, are ideal for frequent travelers, and offer built-in features such as adjustable fonts, highlighting, and dictionary lookup. They are especially efficient when used for reading large volumes, as in academic or professional contexts.

However, e-books depend on electronic devices, which come with their own environmental footprint. Recent product life cycle assessments show that dedicated e-readers offer a significantly lower carbon footprint than both printed books and multipurpose tablets—especially when used intensively over time. The Kindle Paperwhite (16GB) 12th Generation, for instance, has a total life cycle carbon footprint of just 35 kg CO₂e, covering emissions from raw materials, manufacturing, packaging, transportation, energy use, and end-of-life treatment (Amazon, 2024). It reaches its environmental break-even point after replacing approximately 13 printed books, each with an estimated footprint of 2.7 kg CO₂e (Wells et al., 2012)

Still, e-reading is not impact-free. According to Naicker and Cohen (2016), frequent device upgrades, short replacement cycles, and the energy demands of digital infrastructure—including servers, data centers, and internet access—contribute substantially to the carbon footprint of digital reading systems. Furthermore, if not properly disposed of, e-readers can add to the growing global e-waste challenge.

As with printed books, the sustainability of e-books depends largely on how long we use the devices and how responsibly we manage their end-of-life.

Choosing with Purpose: Toward a More Conscious Reading Lifestyle

Sustainability is not about choosing one format over the other. It is about making deliberate, informed decisions that reduce waste and extend the life of the things we use. When it comes to reading, both ebooks and printed books have a place if used thoughtfully.

There are practical considerations that can help readers match their habits with the most appropriate format:

• For high-volume readers: Ebooks via dedicated e-readers (such as Kindle or Boox) are likely the more sustainable choice. Once the break-even point is reached, the environmental benefits increase with every additional title. Keeping the device for multiple years and minimizing upgrades also reduces overall impact.

• For occasional readers: Printed books remain a great option, especially when borrowed, bought secondhand, or shared with others. A well-read book passed through multiple hands has a much lower per-use footprint.

• For mixed readers: Combining both formats can offer the best of both worlds. Ebooks work well for travel, research, or temporary reads, while printed books are suited for personal collections, in-depth reading, or titles with long-term value.

  
  

Regardless of format, the most sustainable action is to avoid overconsumption. Buying books we never finish—or upgrading devices unnecessarily—adds to waste. Reading with intention, extending the life of our materials, and sharing what we no longer need are all part of a conscious reading lifestyle.

Sustainability does not mean giving up the experience we love. It means aligning our habits with what we value—knowledge, depth, and long-lasting impact. Whether printed or digital, the books we carry shape not only how we think, but how we live. By turning the page with greater awareness, we make room for both learning and responsibility.