Why Digital Sustainability Is the Key to a Greener Future

A meeting table with multiple laptops, phones and other electronic devices on top. There are also coffee cups and notebooks. Shows people working at the table. Marvin Meyer/UnSplash

These days, we live in a digital world. Everything we do is online, from banking and shopping to connecting with friends.

However, this lifestyle has more impact on our off-screen environment than we may realize—and this is where digital sustainability comes in.

Digital sustainability is the act of being more eco-friendly online, reducing waste, and lowering carbon emissions. It’s all about being mindful about our outside world while being connected to the cloud.

Keep reading to discover more about this concept, how the online world impacts the environment, and how to be greener while using the internet.

How the Digital World Impacts the Environment

Though we don’t always notice it, using technology comes with an environmental footprint.

From the finite materials used to make our devices to data centers, which account for 1 to 1.3 percent of global electricity demand, the digital world isn’t as green as it may seem.

Some worry about the digital world’s energy consumption. As mentioned above, data centers use a significant amount of electricity, but that’s not the only environmental impact. They also generate large amounts of heat, and many need complex cooling systems, which use up even more energy and produce more greenhouse gasses.

Other ways the digital world impacts the environment include

• E-waste (used smartphones, tablets, and laptops) is made from harmful materials (e.g. lead and mercury).
• Carbon emissions from network infrastructure. Streaming services are a particular culprit as they require high energy consumption to keep up with server demand.
• Manufacturing of devices. E-waste isn’t the only material-related impact, the process of manufacturing tech devices also wastes materials and energy.

All these impacts lead to a higher output of carbon emissions and hazardous waste and, in some cases, a loss of biodiversity and environmental degradation.

Not all is lost, though! With digital sustainability, we can start reducing our impact and working towards a greener world.

Key Components of Digital Sustainability

Digital sustainability is the answer to these negative impacts. But what is this buzzword?

Digital sustainability is all about using technology in a responsible way that respects the environment. Rather than ignoring the impacts, it’s about educating oneself and pivoting our behavior to ensure long-term sustainability and better environmental conditions for future generations.

Green data centers, energy-efficient algorithms, sustainable IT practices, and low-carbon internet usage are four key pillars of this term. Let’s take a closer look at each:

• Green data centers—data centers that use renewable energy and energy-efficient cooling systems.
• Energy-efficient algorithms—these use optimized software that reduces processing power and active server time to cut down energy usage.
• Sustainable IT practices—IT departments worldwide are working to extend device life, using recycled materials, and are responsible for the disposal of e-waste.
• Low-carbon internet usage—using the web doesn’t have to result in lots of CO2! Improved network efficiency and digital minimalism or decluttering reduce our carbon footprint.

How to Become More Digitally Sustainable

Energy consumption. While tech companies are responsible for digital sustainability, it’s up to all of us to make a difference.

We’re spending more time than ever online, particularly on e-commerce websites and online casinos. In fact, the worldwide online gambling market is projected to hit a value of $97.15 billion before the end of 2024, so it’s not a surprise online casinos are seeing more users than in previous years.

Whether online shopping, playing casino games, or catching up with colleagues, these are some ways we can be more digitally sustainable:

• Look for devices with good energy-efficiency ratings or reviews that suggest they last for a long time.
• Dispose of electronics responsibly. Rather than throwing old phones in the trash, look for recycling programs or waste companies that handle hazardous materials.
• Support sustainable tech initiatives. Some software companies and startups are dedicated to greener processes, so choose these over traditional offerings.
• Decluttering the online world. Fewer photos and documents on cloud services will reduce an individual’s online carbon footprint.
• Decreasing the time spent online. This might be the most unpopular tip, but it’s true! Spending less time online will decrease one’s energy consumption.

Lastly, we must remember to be kind to ourselves as we make the switch. Becoming digitally sustainable doesn’t happen in a snap overnight. Small, conscious changes are the best way to achieve this green goal.

Creating a Greener Future on the Internet

Digital sustainability might seem like a complex topic, but with small changes, we can all make a significant impact. Hopefully, this article will serve as a helpful starting point for any green journey. Remember, taking a few basic steps is always better than not changing at all!