Reducing Your Digital Carbon Footprint
Published on
• Last modified on
“Carbon footprint” is a familiar phrase in the sustainability world. Airplanes, cars, and meat production are among the usual suspects in this conversation. But did you know that rethinking your online habits can protect our planet, too?
While we appreciate the connection and exploration that comes with technology, let’s talk about the importance of reducing your digital carbon footprint!
A digital carbon footprint is tied to the greenhouse gas emissions produced by technology devices, tools, and platforms. Each year, the internet emits 1.6 billion greenhouse gas emissions. You may think, “How can a cellphone or laptop possibly be harmful?” The three main reasons include:
- Manufacturing processes
- Data centers and cable systems
- Energy produced by fossil fuels used to charge devices
This can be a complex topic to explore, and we encourage you to take a closer look at this rising climate threat. However, there are steps you can begin to take today to reduce your digital carbon footprint; some may already be familiar to you!
- Reduce the number of tabs and applications open on your devices
- Clear your browser’s history and unwanted bookmarks
- Opt out of interest-based advertising
- Use a VPN and ad blockers
- Delete apps, videos, and photos you no longer need
- Use external hard drives rather than cloud storage
- Rethink purchasing new devices and repair rather than replace when possible
- Buy second-hand technology that can be cheaper and just as good as new
- Turn off video on virtual chats; using only audio reduces emissions by 96%
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to make screen time greener! We understand that these switches don’t happen overnight. Rethink your digital carbon footprint and help prevent this growing issue in our online world.
Did you learn something new? Please take a moment to answer this short survey.
