Kobo eReaders have rapidly become a popular choice for readers around the world. But what many don’t realize is that these devices may hold a key to a more sustainable future. For avid readers consuming numerous titles per year, eReaders may be more environmentally friendly than physical books. Explore how you can enjoy reading in a greener way with a Kobo eReader, and how you can make the most of your device and dispose of it properly when it’s time to say goodbye.
A greener alternative for avid readers
When it comes to making eco-friendly choices, the impact of traditional books might surprise you. Cherished as they are, printed books come with an ecological footprint that includes paper production, ink usage, and transportation. However, there’s a greener way to dive into your favourite stories: eReaders. With their capacity to store entire libraries into a single digital repository, eReaders can significantly reduce paper consumption, cutting down on deforestation and energy-intensive production processes. It’s worth noting that eReaders have their environmental considerations too, primarily related to their production, shipping, usage, and eventual disposal. However, their long lifespan and the potential to offset their impact over time if you frequently indulge in literature can make them a worthy, more sustainable solution.
Kobo’s dedication to sustainability
Companies like Kobo are also working to minimize their carbon footprint—from using more eco-conscious materials to offsetting the carbon emissions associated with shipping the eReaders. For example, Kobo used more eco-friendly materials to make their latest eReaders: the Kobo Libra Colour, the Kobo Clara Colour, and the Kobo Clara BW. Since 2022, all Kobo eReaders feature an exterior made with over 85% recycled plastic, including 10% ocean-bound plastic. Their packaging is also magnet-free and made with FSC-certified recycled paper to further reduce waste.
On top of that, Kobo will also offset 100% of the carbon emissions associated with direct shipments of Kobo eReaders this year.
Use Kobo eReaders as a notebook
With a Kobo Libra Colour, Kobo Sage, or Kobo Elipsa, the magic of reading meets the convenience of note-taking. Beyond their role as a portal to countless stories, these eReaders double as a versatile digital notebook. Jot down ideas, underline key passages, and bookmark inspiring quotes directly on the screen. Whether you’re a student, a passionate reader, or a dedicated learner, this feature transforms your eReader into a dynamic tool for capturing thoughts on the fly. No need to carry around a separate notebook—it’s all paperless. Your notes are automatically saved onto your eReader, and you can save them on Google Drive or Dropbox if needed.
Recycling and waste reduction
When it’s time to bid farewell to your eReader, make sure to recycle it to reduce electronic waste. Many components of eReaders, such as screens and plastic, can be recycled to recover valuable material and minimize their environmental impact. Kobo offers an eRecycling Mail-In Program free of charge, so you can dispose of their eReaders responsibly and help the environment. You can also bring your old electronics to Best Buy stores to recycle them—even if you purchased the device elsewhere. Proper disposal and recycling of an eReader at the end of its life is essential for minimizing environmental impact.
The future of sustainable reading
eReaders have transformed the way we read, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional paper books for avid readers. Through environmentally responsible manufacturing, recyclable components, energy-efficient designs, and innovative features like eLibraries, Kobo eReaders make it possible to embrace the joys of reading in a greener way.
This article was drafted using AI technology and then reviewed, fact-checked, and revised by a member of our editorial team.
