digital responsibility
As responsible consumers it is essential than we mind our carbon footprints, where we get our products from, and the amount of waste we produce. However, one topic in regard to environmental sustainability that has been omitted from the conversation is how our use of digital technology affects the world around us. Not many people consider the impact of, for example; watching a movie on streaming platforms like Netflix as opposed to reading a book. Many would think ‘how does watching a movie hurt the environment?’. Well, according to the Digital Power Group “Streaming a video for an hour every week on Netflix uses more electricity than two new refrigerators.”(Hidden, 5). Everything we do online has an environmental impact most are sadly unaware of.
Many in this new era of climate consciousness have believed that digitalization is largely a good thing; shopping online instead of in person, less paper being used in offices, and less overall waste being produced. Although these perceived benefits are true to an extent, the average user is mostly oblivious to the trade off of digitalization. According to Brookings “Technology, in other words, is a double-edged sword - one capable both of doing and undoing damage to environmental quality”(Cutting, 5). By reducing one form of waste, we create another less tangible source. Carbon emissions from our surging use of technology is contributing significantly to climate change and must be addressed globally.
Our online habits play a part in the track climate change is taking on this planet and there are many ways we can choose to be better as digital citizens.
For example:
Turning our devices off/unplugging when they are not currently in use
Using wifi instead of 4G or LTE on your device
Utilizing an ecological search engine such as Ecoasia
Avoiding Browser cookies and tracking tools
Clearing your email inboxes
And simply consuming less content!
“Digital vs. Print Marketing: Which Is the Most Sustainable?” Phoenixlitho, The Phoenix Group of Companies, www.phoenixlitho.com/digital-vs-print-marketing-which-is-the-most-sustainable/.
