Increase Your Reading: Why You Should Invest in an eReader
If you are an avid reader like I am, you may be hesitant to purchase an eReader. It’s true, there’s nothing quite like reading a physical copy. Feeling the pages in your hands, seeing a growing collection on your shelves (if you get your books from the bookstore rather than the library), and going back and forth between sections if you want to remind yourself of something you read earlier, are all impossible to replicate in the digital world. I used to shrink away from the mere mention of an ebook; there is something magical about libraries, bookshops, and the feeling of the pages in your hands. But, if you are still reading this with me, there’s a chance that you haven’t ultimately rejected the idea. Hear me out.
Have you ever bought a book only to realize you didn’t like it, but still felt pressured by yourself to finish it? Have you proceeded to shame yourself for seeing it sit on your shelf unread, and then avoided starting something new until that book is complete?
Reading books on an eReader does not automatically mean your greenhouse gas emissions lessen; it depends on the number of books you read. Pierre-Olivier Roy, a lead energy consultant at The International Reference Centre for the Life Cycle of Products, Processes, and Services in Montreal, Quebec, found that if you only read occasionally, reading paper books is likely your best bet to limiting your greenhouse gas emissions. If you read paper books frequently, however, you will likely have a larger carbon footprint than if you read off an eReader.
I’ve found that, by owning an eReader and having access to free ebooks through the library, I have increased the number of books I read per year by at least ten. Do you foresee yourself reading more frequently? If you do, an eReader could be a more financially beneficial and environmentally friendly option.
The Benefits of Reading on an eReader
Having an eReader saves you money on books by reading for free through the library, and being able to return books and borrow them instantly online makes it much easier to start on a book as soon as you’d like, without scheduling a time to head to the library to pick it up.
You can read more books; by having instant access to the online library, returning the ones you aren’t enjoying, and being able to transport your current reads anywhere without carrying a (sometimes) heavy book.
It can be better for the environment. As mentioned earlier, it depends on how often you read. Roy states that “paper books can sometimes show the lowest carbon footprint (especially when comparing a lower number of books) or the highest carbon footprint (especially when comparing a high number of books)”; if you are someone who reads a lot or plans to read more, an eReader is a better choice for the environment.
Where To Look For an eReader First
There are many ways you can purchase an eReader without buying a new one. Facebook Marketplace, Buy Nothing Groups, Craigslist, and thrift shops are some of the many great places you can find used eReaders. I recommend checking out your local thrift shop first. I found an older eReader at a thrift store in my home city for under ten dollars. It was an older edition, but it worked! You can also look at your local trading groups on Facebook, Craigslist, and other marketplaces; usually, these places will have plenty of eReaders for sale. Buying something used also helps keep unnecessary items out of the landfill and can help reduce waste!
If you live in Canada and wish to get the newest eReader, I recommend getting a Kobo; the Amazon Kindle cannot connect to Canadian libraries, and having a connection to the online library is the best way to use an eReader. The newest versions of Kobo can connect directly to your library, eliminating the hassle of connecting your eReader to a computer. Kobo also sells refurbished eReaders at a discounted price!
How I Use My eReader
Step 1: I download an ebook through the library. If I don’t enjoy it, I simply return it — no more self-inflicted guilt for not having finished a book I purchased.
Step 2: If I like the book and know I will reach for it again, I’ll buy a physical copy from my local independent bookstore. By doing this, I am supporting the Canadian book marketplace, authors, and the publishing industry while being more mindful of my purchases.
It is essential to be mindful of what we buy — now more than ever. This strategy is just one small way to save money and read more while being mindful about my purchases!
If it is not already obvious, I want to say that I adore books in all forms. I still occasionally buy books when I know I’ll reread them (or go back to reference them), and I still go to the library and take out physical copies. I also frequently listen to audiobooks through the library, which is a great way to read more, especially if you are often on the go. The significant benefit of having an eReader is that it can help you read more while still being a good choice for the planet.
Happy reading!
