Renting DVDs from Netflix: Is it green?
February 5, 2008 by Peggy
Why am I posting this after my Play Games post where I encourage you to watch less TV (and DVDs)?
It’s because I still like to watch some movies, particularly classics and some foreign films that aren’t as easy to find in the video store. And I do watch some new releases as well. I know we’re human, and movies can be fun (when you pick a good one, that is).
Why Netflix? Well, I know more about them since I’m a customer.
If you think about it, Netflix is basically the paid sharing of DVDs on a large scale. So, the reuse aspect is appealing. Besides, there are very few movies I actually want to own. And renting from a mail service like Netflix elimin
ates the need to drive to the video rental store.
According to Netflix:
“If Netflix members drove to and from a rental store, they would consume 800,000 gallons of gasoline and release more than 2.2 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.”
But what about the paper used to send and return?
I’ll admit: I’m impressed by their mailing system. The simple mailer they use to send you a DVD can be easily turned back into the return envelope. All you have to do is tear off the portion with your address and put it into your recycling bin. Then you reuse the rest.
Does Netflix recycle the return mailers that are sent back to them?
I sent an e-mail to Netflix to ask this question. The response I received (in less than 24 hours) was that they do indeed recycle the return mailers.
Netflix also allows you to download some movies online each month, but I’ve never been able to get that feature to work for me since I have a Macintosh computer. Apparently I’d need Windows XP Service Pack 2 or Windows Vista.
Now the not-so-green thing about it.
According to Netflix:
“Netflix members say they rent twice as many movies per month than they did before joining the service.”
It’s easy to see how members would watch twice as many movies since it’s more convenient, plus there’s the teeming queue awaiting you. Also, with some packages, the rate is the same no matter how many movies you watch each month.
So, isn’t this encouraging more DVD watching (more electricity usage)? Yes it is, but Netflix can’t really control how many movies you choose to watch. That’s up to you.
What do you think? Is Netflix a good choice for the environment, or should you just download an occasional movie from iTunes?
(DVD images are from Netflix. Actually, they are in my queue right now.)
I don’t do Netflix, but I can see why you might watch more tv than usual with it. The reason I don’t watch much tv is because there’s nothing on I like. If I had movies sent to me maybe I would. But, overall I think the gas, recycling, and time aspects make it more green than the video store.
Jennifer, there isn’t much on TV I like either.
That’s why we have the really cheap basic cable (just for reception pretty much) and Netflix.
I am a member of Netflix and I am addicted to watching movies. However, this is mostly due to the fact that I am chronically ill and can do very little. However, I was happy to read this article because you answered all of my questions, thank you. As far as Netflix being green I belive that every choice has pros and cons. Unless of course you decide to stop watching films and tv altogether.
Mary, thanks for visiting and your kind words. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post.
I agree about the pros and cons, but overall I think the pros are winning for me with Netflix right now. Although, I didn’t get that Bob Dylan movie that was supposed to arrive today (I’m Not There). I blame that on the post office : )
The thing I have to watch on Netflix is avoiding the temptation to make a special trip to the post office to mail a CD back when I miss my mail carrier at the apartments. Most of the time I just mail it here anyway and wait an extra day.
The Planet Earth collection is a great one to rent if you’re looking to add to your queue.
I realize this post is old but people are directing to it from Twitter so want to make sure people are aware that you can now watch movies and TV episodes instantly on your Intel-based Apple Macintosh computers. Thank you!
Why not check out your public library for movies, music and even video games. They typically have them available in all formats – DVD, CD, video and some still have tapes as well. So even if don’t have the newest technology you can still share in the fun. I’m sure this tip has been mentioned in the past but it’s important enough to share again.