Comments on: Is Renting Textbooks From Netflicks Eco-Friendly?

By: Like Netflix for Toys: rentAtoy.com : Eco Child’s Play

Like Netflix for Toys: rentAtoy.com : Eco Child’s Play — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 04:18:48 +0000

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By: George Burke

George Burke — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:44:32 +0000

Hi, first of all, NETFLIX IS NOT RENTING BOOKS. We’re reading an article about Chegg, a fromer college-focused marketplace (think Craigslist for college) that recently changed business models to rent out textbooks. Chegg’s CEO is not Netflix’s CEO. I also wouldn’t consider this “Netflix” style rental because it’s not an unlimited rental membership, unlike BookSwim — http://www.bookswim.com, which rents out paperback & hardcover consumer books with no due dates, no late fees, and free shipping both ways.

As both with BookSwim, the very nature of book rental allows multiple people to enjoy the same copy of a book, which can reduce the number of copies manufactured – hence, less paper. And without the need to drive to the library or bookstore, USPS-delivered book rental packages won’t increase carbon output because the mailperson is coming to your door anyway.

By: Jamie Ervin

Jamie Ervin — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 04:39:16 +0000

Financially speaking its a WONDERFUL idea. I used to scour the second time around store near the University for textbooks and even used Amazon a time or two. Usually students can get away with a couple editions older than the current (something you must always check with the instructor on), in this scenerio, books can get an even longer life.

I would think the overall impact of shipping a rented textbook would be less than creating that book (in terms of paper used, energy, pollution created, etc…) and the knowledge that the book will be returned and used again. When students buy textbooks they often sit around the house for years and then end up in the landfill (I tried to donate many of mine, but stores like Goodwill won’t usually take them).

Interesting concept.

By: Carlota Bindner

Carlota Bindner — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 22:18:45 +0000

I finally finished my bachelors in 2007, after 5 years, and while there are a plethora of used textbooks out there, there is an unfortunate problem that this wonderful idea does not resolve. Inevitably every year textbook companies revise and edit current textbooks to produce new editions. And many teachers are often coerced into switching to these newer editions, which do not necessarily have many changes from the previous ones.

I still think this could definitely help reduce the purchase of new textbooks, especially if recycled packaging is used. I think it would further help if Netflix does create a program like this if they were to open more distribution centers across the country, they currently have 55, which helps to reduce the distance items travel. I know I would use this as I am going to be going back to school this summer.