Burn that album onto blank CD, and the figure increases to roughly 12 megajoules and 700 grams; put that CD in a jewel case, and the figures go up even further, to 23 megajoules and 1,100 grams.

When CDs peaked in 2000, it was up to 61 million kg of plastic. Then came the big digital dividend: ... there’s still the question of the energy used to power online music listening.

As the 1990s ticked by, more retailers began to offer used CDs. One catalyst for this was that, in March 1991, Sony Music announced it would no longer accept retailer returns on opened CDs.

Approaching 40 years since the CD made its debut, the strange thing about CDs is how they have largely faded from our nostalgic consciousness. Skip to main content Menu ...

Lyrical content aside, the way in which we consume music is becoming a tricky subject. While it may seem better that we’ve moved away from buying physical vinyl, cassettes and CDs, the energy ...