Why digital books?

Paper has been the medium on which books have been published for the past five thousand years since the Egyptians first invented a way to process papyrus. However, as with so many other changes that mankind has made in recent years, it is now time to release the unsustainable practice and move on to a different and less damaging form of publishing.

The paper industry

• More than a third of the world’s total wood production is used to make paper
• Millions of hectares of primary forests have been destroyed to make way for commercial plantations
• 10% of the world’s industrial energy is used to make paper
• World demand for paper has climbed nearly ten fold in the past sixty years
• The higher the grade of paper the more chemicals are required in its production.

The damage to the environment

• The loss of primary forest contributes to global warming as well as leading to loss of habitat and the threat of extinction for many species.
• The burning of millions of tons of waste paper in dumps around the world also contributes to global warming.
• Much of the energy required to produce paper is coal powered – the worst contributor to global warming.
• The chemicals used, especially chlorine gas, are harmful to the environment and have a negative long term effect.
• The transport of paper around the world leaves in its wake a huge carbon footprint.

Why go digital?

• The environmental impact of digital publications is negligible by comparison to conventional books.
• If a printed book is successful each new printing means more paper whereas a digital book has no such impact.
• Although to read a digital book on safari is more demanding than a paperback so many more people travel with their laptops, notepads and handheld readers to download digital images or keep in touch with emails that this will become the way of the future.
• DVD/CD drives are standard installations in most modern vehicles and self-drivers will be able to flip through their field guide while game watching.
• Increasingly lodges provide computer facilities for their guests

We would rather make a difference than a profit.
Go Digital – Save the planet