Referred to as “The largest coal-fired machine on Earth””, the Internet is a tool that most of us use numerous times a day.
The Internet and its related digital industries have emissions comparable to Aviation’s annual emissions. Yet, we rarely think about the environmental impact while posting 16 duplicate pet photos that instantly get uploaded to the cloud.
This unseen downside of our online activities involves the generation of data that is stored and processed in vast, energy-intensive data centers spread worldwide.
In the past year, I’ve explored digital waste and discovered effective ways to minimize your digital carbon footprint.
1. Think before you click
Every document, photo, email, like, and comment stored on the power-hungry Internet passes through layers of infrastructure, including large data centers consuming a substantial amount of energy.
French journalist Guillaume Pitron described the largest data center on earth, mentioning its massive size and the energy needed to process data in these digital-age factories.
Reducing data consumption started with simple steps like unsubscribing from unnecessary newsletters and deleting unused phone apps.
Avoiding generative AI for basic queries is also recommended, as energy consumption is significantly higher compared to traditional web searches. Energy consumption increases 4-5 times with AI usage.
2. Clear the virtual clutter
Many of us hoard thousands of old emails and duplicate photos. Regularly deleting them can help reduce your digital footprint.
Utilize features in your inbox that allow you to search by file size to delete large attachments or bulk delete marketing emails.
For personal and work files, remove duplicate photos and use features like “free up space” for efficient file management.
Apps like GetSorted can assist in organizing and cleaning up your photos effectively.
3. Minimize cloud storage
Considering the significant electricity consumption of the digital industry, minimizing reliance on cloud storage can be beneficial.
Storing files on a password-protected hard drive and backing them up offsite can reduce energy usage and costs associated with cloud subscriptions.
Regularly cleaning up files stored in the cloud is essential to better manage digital storage.
4. Store your device for as long as possible
Extending the lifespan of your devices by avoiding frequent upgrades can significantly reduce environmental impact, as device manufacturing contributes to a large portion of carbon emissions.
Refurbished products and DIY repair sites like ifixit.com provide sustainable alternatives for device maintenance.
Dr. Jessica McLean emphasizes the importance of individual actions and systemic changes to address the environmental impact of digital activities.
Taking steps to reduce digital pollution, such as decluttering devices and advocating for carbon-neutral options, can contribute to a more sustainable digital future.
Source: www.theguardian.com
