Books, on the other hand, are another matter.

Your post has really got me thinking. Especially your question:
“But does it really matter, if I recycle?”

I started writing a comment, but it got so long that I’ve posted it on my
own blog! You can read that here:
http://jacquelinewindh.com/2010/01/28/recycling-evil-pass-it-on/

But basically, my answer is yes, it matters. I feel like recycling has
become this feel-good solution, where we can justify our consumption by “oh,
but I recycle it.” I really believe that we canot afford to keep using
single-use items (newspapers, plastic packaging, disposable plates – even if
they are made of bamboo!). They still require energy to create and
transport – and to transport back to the recycling plant and repurpose them.

Here in BC, it was announced last week that recycling of newspapers will no
longer even take place in our province! Used newspapers will now be sent to
the USA and Asia for recycling. If the ultimate aim is just to know that
your newspaper got recycled, that is fine. But if the aim is to reduce the
environmental cost, then buying and recycling newspapers is not a solution.

Anyway, all of that is about only a small aspect of what your blog post is
actually about. I do agree with supporting our publishing industries. That
whole world really is in a state of flux right now – the businesses
themselves don’t even know what their own business model is. It’s going
through a rough time (which also makes it very tough for us, the writers)
but I trust that it will sort itself out over the next couple of years. And
I think we just need to get used to the idea of paying for online content.

I do totally miss my weekends curling up with a real paper newspaper – but I
am actually getting pretty used to getting my news and information content
online now.

Thanks for the opportunity for this conversation!

Jackie