So, where is the study?
Greener by Mail or Electronically?
Summary: Many readers concluded that it’s hard to know which process – paper mail or electronic statements, is greener since the comparisons are very hard to make. But most seem to infer that electronic statements are the way to go and, in the end, less wasteful than print.
My coverage of a study (admittedly by a paper-industry group) suggesting that it might actually be “greener” to mail people a printed statement than send them an electronic one, generated a lot of thoughtful comments.
Sparkiemj points out that not only do electronic statements save on paper, but they are ultimately easier to find via search than a stack of printed documents in a box or file cabinet somewhere.
Quikboy and others point out that while a lot of energy does go into the manufacturing and shipping of computer technology, it is used for so many other purposes that it works out less wasteful than printing.
Contrast that, though, with Alan Siflinger’s comment that the post office is already stopping at your house, so the per-piece consumption of energy is actually pretty low.
Many readers concluded that it’s hard to know which process – paper mail or electronic statements, is greener since the comparisons are very hard to make. But most seem to infer that electronic statements are the way to go and, in the end, less wasteful than print.
Doc appreciates all the comments and acknowledges that the answer is not entirely clear. I agree with reader Haschenhosen that it ought to be up to the individual to decide how they want to get their statements. What works for one person may not be the answer for another.
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ZDNet introduces Doc (The DocuMentor), sponsored by RICOH. Through his blog, Doc will educate you about Document Management. So who is Doc? Doc is something of an enigma. He was born to a Russian ballerina and a German electrical engineer who some believe was running covert operations for shadowy corporate interests. Doc grew up in various locations in the United States, although no one seems to know precisely where, least of all Doc. His early schooling was unremarkable except for the time he was caught trying to replace all the mimeograph machines with high-tech color copiers that had mysteriously disappeared from a shipment to Albania. At MIT, he made a name for himself by transforming a large printer into a robot that hunts and eats Roombas. Professionally, he reportedly has seen the insides of more brands, versions, and generations of printer and printer-related hardware than almost anyone. Some say his obsession with paper, printing, and mechanical movement was either started by, or evidenced by, a traumatic childhood episode when he crawled inside an old Xerox 2400 and tried to print himself.
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The link to 'study' point to an article "Should Adobe embrace the open source"
So, where is the study?
So, where is the study?
@ForeverSPb Thanks for pointing that out. I inadvertently included the wrong link. I've updated the blog with the correct one: http://www.zdnet.com/blog/doc/electronic-vs-paper-statements-which-is-greener/1988?tag=mantle_skin;content
- Disclaimer - I'm not an tech professional, I'm just a tech enthusiast - Disclaimer -
Depending upon the method in which energy is generated, utilized & stored, I can see where electronically can be greener, Especially if a green energy production method such as solar is used.
Also, Trees take a long time to grow & become harvestiable for paper production whereas electronic documents can be created nearly as quick as ideas appear in ones mind.
Sure, Running power lines affects the environment to a certain extent but once electricity can be reliably & efficiently transmitted wirelessly, power lines likely would become unnecessary.
Depending upon the method in which energy is generated, utilized & stored, I can see where electronically can be greener, Especially if a green energy production method such as solar is used.
Also, Trees take a long time to grow & become harvestiable for paper production whereas electronic documents can be created nearly as quick as ideas appear in ones mind.
Sure, Running power lines affects the environment to a certain extent but once electricity can be reliably & efficiently transmitted wirelessly, power lines likely would become unnecessary.
@BlazingEagle
"Once electricity can be reliably & efficiently transmitted wirelessly???"
You must be a Tesla fan, BlazingEagle. Seems a little far fetched, but perhaps someday we'll get there. In the meantime, I hope we can depend on more sustainable energy sources for our primary power.
"Once electricity can be reliably & efficiently transmitted wirelessly???"
You must be a Tesla fan, BlazingEagle. Seems a little far fetched, but perhaps someday we'll get there. In the meantime, I hope we can depend on more sustainable energy sources for our primary power.
I have gone paperless on my end of the payment process and feel that the monthly statements that I get are necessary for me to balance my bill pay.
So from this point of view if individuals and companies alike eliminated and delayed printed material we wouldn't be having this discussion. It is like asking over and over if a person believes in free enterprise he is a Republican, and if he believes in democracy why the Democrats are willing to pay the Republicans to do the logistics of war.
So from this point of view if individuals and companies alike eliminated and delayed printed material we wouldn't be having this discussion. It is like asking over and over if a person believes in free enterprise he is a Republican, and if he believes in democracy why the Democrats are willing to pay the Republicans to do the logistics of war.
Paper comes from trees and necessitates the need for cutting down trees so it can be logically concluded that this is very un-green. Or is it? If we eliminate the need for paper, then we eliminate the need for trees and the lumber companies will seek permission form the government to cut down all the trees and use the land for something else. OK this is a bit of an exaggeration, but I believe it shows you can't assess the situation without an extremely thorough study of all of the ramifications.
Good point, Mark. It is true, actually, that most of the trees used for making paper come from managed forests where they are grown for that purpose. Take away the market and you may end up with less trees in the end. Interesting paradox.
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Most people would say that Electronic Mail would be greener than Paper Mail. That's because most of us only know how to make papers and basically say that it came from trees. But how many of us know the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by our computers? We should also consider the fact that producing 1 computer also contributes to an effect in our environment. You may also read this article for your preference.
http://www.ecofriend.com/entry/computers-emit-as-much-carbon-dioxide-as-aviation/
http://www.ecofriend.com/entry/computers-emit-as-much-carbon-dioxide-as-aviation/
Very interesting link, Chuck. Thanks for passing it along. Doc read the report on the high amount of carbon our computers use ??? I find it a little hard to believe, but quite compelling if it's true. Suggest people take a look and decide for themselves.
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