5 Ways To Reduce Your Digital Carbon Footprint

Most of us don’t think about the planet while taking 30 pictures of our dogs looking cute, liking our friend’s latest TikTok or going through our emails. Yet these seemingly tiny, harmless acts contribute to an ever-growing problem surrounding the environmental impact of the digital world. All this data we’re producing is stored in giant centres around the world which require high levels of energy to run – hence why the online industry is estimated to produce the same emissions annually as aviation. However, there are simple ways we can reduce our digital carbon footprint, which we’ve outlined below.

How To Minimise Your Online Carbon Output

Don’t Always Rely On AI

AI platforms like ChatGPT have become commonplace in recent years, and are widely chosen instead of traditional search engines. Yet figures suggest it takes 30 times more energy to use an AI model above something like Google or Bing. As we’ve outlined in more detail here, you can therefore cut your digital carbon footprint by being mindful about when you choose to use AI, and being thoughtful about the types of questions you’re asking to avoid the need for multiple follow-ups.

Declutter Your Photo Albums

While saving things to The Cloud might feel like a romantic space in the ether, it actually sends your data to energy-guzzling centres which are often run by fossil fuels. So if you’re hoarding thousands of photo duplicates and blurry videos, have a big clearout – and get into the habit of regularly deleting them. Not only will this cut your digital footprint, it will likely help your phone or laptop run more efficiently – plus you’ll get that smug post-declutter feeling, just like after giving your bedroom a big tidy.

Keep Devices For As Long As You Can

When a new iPhone drops, it’s tempting to want to get your hands on it immediately, but this continual cycle has a negative impact on the environment. New gadgets require a lot of energy to be created: according to the UN Environment Programme, for example, manufacturing a new smartphone accounts for around 80 percent of its lifetime carbon emissions. Hold out on that upgrade for as long as you can, and if something goes wrong with your device, utilise repair services rather than going straight for the replace button. When it’s eventually time to say goodbye to your phone or tablet, recycle it rather than sending it to landfill.

Be More Mindful About Streaming

Reports have shown changing the way you stream music and video could be beneficial. According to scientists at the UK’s Royal Society, watching videos in HD on a phone generates around eight times more in harmful greenhouse gases than standard definition (and on a small screen, you’re not likely to notice much difference). They also recommended turning off videos while you’re listening to music on platforms like Spotify.

Unplug Devices You’re Not Using

Make sure to always unplug laptops and other devices at the switch, as plugged-in devices will still use electricity even if they’re on standby. The same goes for charging your phone: unplug it as soon as the charge is complete. This hack will save you money on your electricity bills too.