We love green technology, and we are excited to see that Amazon.com will be releasing a new version of The Kindle: Kindle DX. The Kindle DX has the same technology as the original Kindle (which is still sold) but has a display 2.5 times (9.7″ screen) the size of the original (6 inch screen). For more information on the original Kindle, please see our article: Switch to eBooks.

Amazon.com decided to develop this version to encourage even more people to go paperless. The larger display allows for PDFs, cookbooks, and other large formatted books to be read without a break in the visual display, so they can be read the way they were intended to be. With a PDF reader, and the original Kindle technology, the possibilities are endless for what can be viewed. Amazon.com also claims that the larger display provides a clearer brighter image, and days of viewing time in between charges. The Kindle DX can even hold 2,000 more books than the original with capacity for 3,500 books. At a price of $489 you can pre-order the Kindle DX at Amazon.com. The original is sold for $359 at Amazon.com.

For someone who reads book after book throughout the year, a lot of money is spent on purchasing paper. Although a high cost up front, the long term investment seems rewarding!

Reading green is important, and the reason why is obvious: paper, paper, paper, and the processes needed to make paper and ink.

We have three great solutions for you:

1) Read used books. Borrow from a friend, go to a used book store, or shop for used books at Amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com. If shopping on-line, buy in bulk and save on packaging and gas!

2) Join the Read Green Initiative and read your favorite magazines on-line. With the help of Zinio (free to use), you can get a free subscription to one of your favorite magazines, and affordable access to many more! Zinio keeps the magazines in your library so you can access them whenever you want. No trees needed here. Read your favorite magazines digitally!

3) Switch to ebooks. Read our article Switch to eBooks about the Kindle

and how reading ebooks will save on more than just paper, but also electricity.

Don’t know what to do with all of your old books? Go to GotBooks.com to donate your books for great causes! Schedule a free-pick up or find the closest drop-off location in your community.