Author by: Elham Chehaimi, Ph.D
We are living in a world where people are highly dependent on devices for everything they need, whether for shopping, research, communication, you name it! Thus, it became crucial to take a step back and examine the impact of our digital footprint on the planet. In this blog, we will explore the concept of “responsible digital” and how we can contribute to a more sustainable digital future.
If we recall COVID-19 in 2020, we were heavily dependent on digital platforms to stay connected with our loved ones and attend online meetings for our jobs. It’s true; it does make our lives easier, but this convenience comes at a cost. The rapid growth of the digital sector has raised concerns about its environmental and social impact.
A sizable carbon footprint is created by the energy needs of data centers, the manufacturing of electronic goods, and the growth of e-waste. According to a report by The Shift Project, digital technology was responsible for 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2018, a figure expected to double by 2025 (Towards Digital Sobriety, 2019). It is impossible to overlook how the digital age affects the environment and public health. It’s seriously threatened by electronic garbage, or e-waste.
Electronics are being thrown out at an alarming rate due to the quick obsolescence of gadgets and equipment. There is a high probability that there are more devices per household than family members! Not to mention that every year there is a new device that attracts people to purchase it and throw out the old ones. Only 17.4% of the 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste produced globally in 2019 was collected and correctly recycled, according to the Global E-waste Monitor (Forti et al., 2020).
What Can We Do?
The first step in adopting sustainable digital practices is realizing the difficulties presented by our digital existence. Here are some specific actions we may take to lessen the impact:
- Minimize Energy Consumption: There are features on the devices that have energy-saving modes that stop the applications from running in the background, extending battery life. Another feature is that the device automatically locks when you don’t use it.
- Extend Device Lifespan: Rather than constantly upgrading to the latest gadget, consider making the most of your current devices. Extend their lifespan through proper maintenance and repairs. The longer a device remains in use, the fewer resources are required to produce new ones.
- Reduce Digital Clutter: Our digital lives are cluttered with files, emails, and apps we no longer use. Declutter your digital space by deleting unnecessary files and unsubscribing from email lists. A cleaner digital environment can lead to increased efficiency and reduced energy consumption (Cook, 2023).
- Reduce Redundancy: Avoid storing multiple copies of files across different platforms. Use tools that help identify and eliminate duplicate data.
- Consider Ethical Implications: Use and support platforms that prioritize ethical considerations, such as user privacy, fair wages, and more.
- Support Green Platforms: Support and use platforms from companies that have a clear commitment to sustainability. Such as Google and Apple. They have committed to powering their operations with 100% renewable energy (Pichai, 2021).
- Mindful E-Waste Disposal: When it’s time to part with old electronics, make sure to recycle them properly. Many electronics stores offer recycling programs, and some even provide incentives for returning old devices.
- Update Wisely: While it’s essential to keep software updated for security, consider the environmental implications of continuous hardware upgrades. Sometimes, it might be more sustainable to maintain older hardware with minimal environmental impact than to always buy the latest device (Bridging the Digital Divide and Ensuring Online Protection, 2023).
- Remote Work Efficiency: Use collaboration tools that require minimal resources. Also, ensure that remote work systems are optimized for energy efficiency.
- Educate and Advocate: Raise awareness of the importance of digital sustainability as well as its broader environmental and social impact. Inspire and motivate colleagues, peers, and others in your network to embrace eco-friendly digital practices.
It’s crucial that we accept responsibility for our digital decisions because they have serious consequences. We can all work together to minimize the negative effects of our digital lifestyles on the environment and society by implementing sustainable behaviors and supporting positive changes. Although adopting responsible digital behavior may seem difficult, it is an essential step in the direction of a more balanced and sustainable future.
References
Bridging the digital divide and ensuring online protection. (2023, February 2). UNESCO. Retrieved September 21, 2023, from https://www.unesco.org/en/right-education/digitalization
Cook, B. (2023, February 8). How a Digital Declutter Can Lead to a Better Digital Life. Fellow. Retrieved September 21, 2023, from https://fellow.app/blog/productivity/how-a-digital-declutter-can-lead-to-a-better-digital-life/
Forti, V., Baldé, C. P., Kuehr, R., & Bel, G. (2020). The Global E-waste Monitor …: 2020. https://ewastemonitor.info/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/GEM_2020_def_july1_low.pdf
Pichai, S. (2021, April 20). New progress toward our 24/7 carbon-free energy goal. The Keyword. Retrieved September 21, 2023, from https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/sustainability/new-progress-toward-our-247-carbon-free-energy-goal/
Towards Digital Sobriety. (2019, March 2). The Shift Project. Retrieved September 21, 2023, from https://theshiftproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Lean-ICT-Report_The-Shift-Project_2019.pdf