Categories: Lifestyle

Read Greener

When you’re a voracious reader it’s easy to accumulate a slews of novels, periodicals and the occasional magazine. Reading is my go to relaxation method. Despite using the public library whenever I can I’ve accrued my fair share of books over the years.  ( I reread and lend them to friends for maximum reuse.)

While I’m here getting things off my chest –  a few months back I noticed I had magazines piling up as well. My rule was: I’ll only buy magazines when I travel. Then I started traveling more frequently , and before I knew it my already crammed bookshelves were filled with magazines… that I’d eventually recycle. Still, I  felt guilty contributing to paper consumption.

What’s a reader to do?

 Get on the e-Reading train.

 E-books like the Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook have been on the market for awhile. But, I only recently got over my attachment to the smell and feel of a physical book. I put my sentimental feelings on the backburner, and got a Nook Color. I’m glad I did.

 As my e-reading experience has been with the Nook Color I’ll speak to the benefits of that product. 

 You can save your credit card information to your account and download a book anywhere with internet access.  It’s so easy it hurts! You avoid the carbon footprint it takes to get to a bookstore, or have a book shipped to you. Plus, you help cut down on energy used to print, distribute and store books.

 You can order magazine subscriptions straight to your Nook – saving even more paper.

 Further, The Nook Color gets web access so you can access documents on screen instead of printing.

 On a personal note, I love the highlighting and note feature. Looking up words and referring back to sections is so simple. And, the portability has certainly made my subway commute more pleasant.

Posted by Beth

 Disclaimer: The statements expressed in this post are strictly opinions. Green Philly Blog was not compensated by Barnes & Noble.  

Beth Funari

Beth is a Health and Wellness expert who believes sustainability goes hand-in-hand with self care. She’s the girl whipping up kombucha cocktails at parties, and extolling the benefits of canning vegetables to anyone who will listen.

Recent Posts

SEPTA real-time arrivals, FDR Park lawsuit, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  SEPTA to debut digital bus stop displays. SEPTA…

4 days ago

New research shows widespread “ghost forests” in New Jersey

Scientists mapped millions of dead trees along the Atlantic coastline that show the impact of…

5 days ago

Why are Philly recycling rates so low? A mix of contamination, culture and systems still make it complicated in 2026.

City leaders, educators, and community advocates agreed on one thing at our recent recycling panel:…

2 weeks ago

Climate storytelling, nuclear production, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Chinatown Stitch design moves forward. The Chinatown Stitch…

2 weeks ago

Open Streets helps businesses, Transit in the City Budget & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Center City car-free streets increased sales for local…

3 weeks ago

d’griot Cafe Brings Sustainable Food and Community Space to Germantown

The Black-owned cafe in Maplewood Mall centers sustainable food, local vendors and community programming, all…

3 weeks ago