10 simple changes you can make to reduce your digital carbon footprint

Eleanor Milner
Digital and eCommerce Assistant
September 29, 2021

While the issue of our digital carbon footprint is often neglected, reducing the environmental impact of your online activity is probably easier than you suspect. In support of the recent World Clean Up Day, here are some simple and actionable steps you can take right now to help stimulate greener digital habits.

The carbon footprint of our online activity accounts for 3.7% of global emissions and is predicted to double by 2025. With 4 billion active internet users, our internet traffic has tripled since 2015 and continues to rise as more activities move online. On the bright side, many major companies such as Apple, HP and Facebook have already committed to using 100% renewable energy. Nevertheless, in the spirit of World Clean Up Day, it is important that we all unite to take individual responsibility in facilitating a greener online environment.

WHAT CAN I DO TO REDUCE MY DIGITAL CARBON FOOTPRINT?

1. EMAILS

Every single email you send has a carbon cost – did you know a typical year of incoming mail for a business user creates a carbon footprint of around 135kg? Sending smaller emails can help reduce this, for instance, a regular email produces 4g of co2 while an email with a photo attachment produces 50g. Also, ask yourself, is this email really necessary? According to the BBC, if every day in the UK individuals sent one less thank you email it could save 16,433 tons of carbon a year. Other greener email habits you can implement are; regularly emptying your junk box, managing subscriptions, unsubscribing to newsletters or turning off email notifications for your social media accounts. Not to forget, communicating with colleagues in person where possible.
2. WEB SEARCHES

Avoiding unnecessary or multiple searches is a quick way to ease the emissions produced by online searches. According to ethical.net, loading the average website uses the equivalent amount of energy it takes to boil a kettle for your daily cuppa. Likewise, shortening your search journey by going directly to the site itself is also more environmentally friendly, but speaking of search engines …

3. Search engines

Even though popular search engine providers such as Google are taking more sustainable steps themselves, other green options are available. For instance, switching to the search engine Ecosia would mean a tree is planted for every 45th search you make. While Ecosia also invests 80% of its profits into planting more trees.

4. Video Streaming

Online videos account for 60% of the world’s internet traffic generating 300m tonnes of co2 every year. Though many of us are probably less willing to drastically reduce our video consumption overnight, being more conscious of how and what we consume is a good place to start. For example, lowering the video resolution, turning off auto-play, closing unused background tabs or opting for an audio alternative where possible, can all help to reduce your digital carbon footprint

5. Power Down

Having a good work-life balance isn’t just beneficial for you, but also for your devices. So when you switch off, don’t forget to switch off! The average laptop uses 15-60 watts of energy in use, dropping to 2 watts when in sleep mode, making sleep mode ideal for short term energy-saving throughout the day. However, completely shutting down at the end of the day ensures your devices are not unnecessarily wasting energy while you’re getting those ever needed zzzs.
6. Lighting

Simply reducing your gadgets lighting from 100-70% can save up to 20% of energy, not to mention being better for your eye health. Likewise, taking advantage of your devices night-time settings is another easy way to reduce your appliances energy output while also increasing the likelihood of a better night’s rest.

7. Repairs over Replacement

Investing in better quality tech now could save your wallet and the planet in the long run. Hanging onto your devices for longer helps reduce tech demand and avoids contributing towards the huge energy necessary in the manufacturing and shipping of hardware. Furthermore, opting to repair your device rather than replacing it helps prevent unnecessary e-waste. Nevertheless, when the time comes to make a new tech purchase, why not consider buying second hand or refurbished items. Alternatively, opting for more sustainably produced products, read our blog Choosing Greener IT to find out more!

8. Being Smart with your Smartphone

Despite the fact most carbon produced by mobiles occurs during manufacturing, there are still some simple things you can do to be more energy conscious. For instance, switching off automatic app downloads, unnecessary cloud backups or choosing a lower display or brightness setting can all collectively help minimise energy output.

9. Entertainment

We’ve all been guilty of spending a little too much time online, with screen time increasing by 76% during the pandemic. Cutting back on nonessential online activities will evidently have a positive impact on your digital carbon footprint. Perhaps you’re guilty of drifting to a bit of online shopping when you probably should be working … why not try website blockers to not only enhance your productivity and focus while avoiding unwarranted internet activity. Or maybe you’re guilty of endlessly scrolling through the Instagram explore page … why not set time limits to your social media usage to help you consume more consciously and intentionally.
10. Do you research

Simply reading this post is a positive start, understanding our digital environment impact is an important step in making a conscious effort to then reduce it. Other examples may include dedicating extra time to investigate how socially, politically and environmentally ethical the manufacturers you buy from are. Check out our latest podcast episode for a wider insight into what makes a sustainable tech industry in the wake of a pandemic.

Hopefully, these provide you with some simple, straightforward actions that you can begin to implement into your digital daily routines. If you want to find out more about World Clean Up Day 2021 visit their website here to discover ways you as an individual or an organisation can get involved in our shared battle to protect the place we call home.