Is Pushing the Send Button Really Eco-Friendly?

Of course, I'm biased in favor of writing notes and letters on paper when the situation lends itself. And, of course, I'm biased in favor of invitations to significant events being printed on paper. Fairly often, I read that sending an e-invite is more environmentally friendly than sending an invitation on paper in the mail.

As I was winding my way home from vacation over the weekend, I encountered a very interesting story on CNN's website that provides some food for thought. Here is an exerpt:

"A number of studies have highlighted the growing energy demands of computers. A 2007 report from research firm Gartner, for example, estimates the manufacturing, use and disposal of information and communications technology generates about two percent of the world's greenhouse gases -- similar to the level produced by the entire aviation industry."

It's a good article; well worth reading in order to help put our personal activities in an environmental perspective.