Amazon Kindle

ZOMG i want it

Recyclability aside, what about all of the free applications that do the same thing? My Blackberry is more functional and less expensive than the Kindle but serves the same purpose.

With a good collection of books and a newspaper subscription, this is easily more environmentally friendly than a collection of many books.
Your books are saved on amazon as well.

I would have to see some solid research to be sure either way. I'm not just going to assume it's more eco-friendly because it doesn't use paper.

That's like people who think their shiny chrome sports bottle is more eco-friendly because they're not throwing out multiple plastic bottles, but they have to use that bottle 500 or more times to break even. I wouldn't call that a huge advantage.

I sure would hope it would last longer than 500 uses... the thing is stainless steel. That also makes it more recyclable in the long run. That is, if the people are even recycling their plastic bottles. Also, I do not believe anyone figured the environmental impact of transporting of 500 plastic bottles of water into that calculation. The same people that made that calculation are probably one of the people who think bottled water is better/safer than tap.

It takes the entire manufacturing process and disposal into consideration.
Recycling is a manufacturing process, too. So while you might be reusing the material, it's usually accompanied by harsh chemicals and fossil fuels. It all contributes to the overall "eco friendliness" of a product.

Exactly! And Steel is easier to recycle than plastic! and you will only have 1 steel bottle vs. 500 plastic bottles.

I'm not disagreeing with you, I'm just saying there's maybe 100 ways in which a product impacts the environment, and people just want to look at one area and decide which one is more eco-friendly. It's not always immediately obvious.

I will agree with that, although more things labeled 'green' can be used in a green way if you give some thought to it. But the prius on the other hand... until we get better battery designs, or better at recycling them... they're not that green.. also considering you had to get rid of your car to buy it. Thats a whole car to dispose of. You"re better off with a smart car, a diesel car, or a fiesta/fit/festiva/aveo!

But dont just throw your old car out the window to be greener. that makes no sense.