Digital frames and the environment

Photos of babies, weddings and loved ones are increasingly being displayed in homes behind a glowing screen. Digital frames are now available for less than $20, and sales are on the rise. But a story on NPR’s All Things Considered by reporter Tamara Keith points out that digital frames have an environmental cost. According to the nonprofit Electric Power Research Institute, if every American family had one digital photo frame in their house—many of which are left on all day—the country would need “five additional 250 megawatt power plants” to keep up with the new demand for electricity.

The report also points out, however, that those with digital photo frames may not get their photos printed, which could save gas and paper. Listen to the full story here.