I agree that society's obsession with 'new new newer' can get (ironically) old. I have only had two phones since 7th grade, and the same computer too. Admittedly, it is a little slow, but its fine—who needs to spend the money for a few less download minutes? not me!
And shout out to all the surviving book lovers out there, because I will read off real paper for as long as I can! :) even if it is technically not as environmental…

It is a little more connected and hence complicated, this ereader v books. Even e-reader consumes electric power derived from batteries (chemicals) or electricity (coal, water, wind, nuclear etc) whereas the book>paper>trees link is more easily visible. The debate is similar to the gas-guzzling cars and the electric cars.

I am not an expert but we shd be able to establish an equation between book and e-reader in terms of their impact on environment - depletion of natural resources and leaving carbon footprint. Today we still are not talking such a holistic fashion as widely as we should be.

I agree, when people say that electric cars have zero emissions, they “forget” to mention where the electricity comes from. However, the good thing about e-readers such as the Kindle or the Nook is that they consume very little power, and could therefore be easily charged by something as simple as a solar cell integrated into the case.