A hard copy of a book wrapped in paper represents carbon that is being stored in a semi-permanent state, out of our atmosphere where it would be doing harm. It's almost as good as if it was still in the form of a tree.
Way to go, Dilbert. As an engineer, you are conscious of global warming and carbon footprint but you gift her a *hard copy of a book* that too *gift wrapped in paper*?
Thanks to Scott Adams for getting into a topic that certainly shouldn't be taboo. People should check out the nonprofit Global Footprint online for more information on why we're already "borrowing" from the earth's reserves and under the current population burden and consumption habits have no way to "repay." Just imagine if the world was back at 1950s population. Perhaps we would value and care for human life more because there were less of us....