THE ECO-FOOTPRINT OF E-BOOKS: A USER-CENTERED EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION

Abstract

For over two millennia, paper has been a cornerstone of human communication, evolving from early forms crafted with linen and straw to today's ubiquitous wood-based sheets. However, this progress comes at a significant environmental cost. The modern paper industry, heavily reliant on timber, has emerged as a driving force behind deforestation. Astonishingly, 40% of the world's commercially harvested timber finds its destiny in paper production, leading to the annual loss of over 30 million acres of forests. This grim reality not only threatens countless species reliant on these habitats but also underscores the extensive environmental footprint of paper.

The life cycle of paper is a chronicle of environmental harm, commencing with the felling of trees and culminating in their incineration, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Furthermore, the manufacturing process exerts immense pressure on water resources, with an A4 sheet demanding a staggering 10 liters of water (The World Counts Report, 2019). Notably, the United States, home to a mere 5% of the global populace, consumes a disproportionate 30% of all paper. The forest and paper products industry, with an annual revenue of $200 billion, constitutes a formidable 7% of the nation's manufacturing output. A startling 28% of all timber harvested in the U.S. is channeled into paper production (Alvarez, 2018).

This rampant deforestation driven by the insatiable needs of paper and other industries poses a severe threat to our environment and its delicate ecological balance (Matthews, 2016).