Are you aware that each time you stream videos, sent emails, or just surfing the web, you are contributing to the carbon emissions? This is because of increased demand worldwide on electricity to run the data centres. As you are mostly online in your daily life, here are ways that you can do to reduce your digital carbon footprint.
#1 - Just turn that computer off
Once you’re done with using the computer, console, or any electrical devices, just safely turn it off. Many leave their device on sleep mode so they can boot it faster, but those extra seconds you save won’t bring any difference except increasing your electrical consumption. Also if it’s convenient for you, do deem down that screen brightness. Other than saving that electrical bill, it could save your eyes too.
#2 - Might want to consider downloading
Most of us today watch movies and listening to our favourite music by streaming. Try downloading instead, legally, of course. Why? Downloading use less energy compare to streaming because the file is already in your device instead of stored in the data centres which you have to go online each time. If someone called you an old school, do it for mother nature.
#3 - Email too?
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Weird to think all those emails you sent can also contribute to the digital carbon footprint. Next time when you’re sending emails, try limiting to a few emails even though you were sending it to various recipients. The size of your email should be in consideration if you're attaching documents inside. An email size should be small for lighter downloading.
#4 - Tabs, more tabs!
When it comes to browsing, many of us are guilty of having many tabs open. We want to keep that interesting website for later surf. Make it a habit to bookmark; it will make your life easier when searching back all your favourite websites. Plus, having many tabs open uses a lot of your device's memories, causing it to lag, so why trouble yourself?
#5 - As always, recycle!
So after a few years after you bought your faithful device, it started to lag or get outdated, you decided to get a new device. What happens to the old device? Most of us will treat it as our house waste and straight to the rubbish bin. Electronic device is made of various metal parts and plastic that when exposed to nature, could harm the environment. Dispose of it the right way, recycle. Or maybe trade-in for that extra cash.
These are just some of the simplest ways you can reduce your digital carbon footprint. Remember to keep your electric consumption on low and do your part in recycling. Your small change of habit could bring a big difference to the world we are living in today.
