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You can't just look at the device; e-readers aren't much good without servers somewhere serving up content 24/7, without wires, power plants of various sorts, probably a computer in your home to run Calibre, a router, etc. etc. That's a lot of toxic waste that someone will have to deal with, not to mention a lot of energy to keep that infrastructure running. If the infrastructure goes, the e-reader on is just a lump of toxic crap.
A paper book is more of a standalone device. A book can be produced in various ways, from mass print runs on sophisticated machinery to copying by hand on papyrus. If you have to, you can deliver a paper book by bicycle, by wheelbarrow, horseback or by foot. Once produced, a book runs on a combination of solar & human power.
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