In our daily lives, we are increasingly aware of the impact of our actions on the planet. We pay attention to pollution from cars, we recycle our waste, we preserve the oceans... And companies are getting into CSR - Corporate Social Responsibility(just a reminder for those of you who attended our wonderful 2023 Convention at the foot of the Eiffel Tower).
But did you know that we are also contributing to another kind of pollution: digital pollution?
The ubiquitous presence of digital technology in our lives may seem abstract, but it has many consequences. Have you ever noticed the heat emitted by your computer?
Now imagine the thousands of servers around the world running non-stop.
What exactly is digital pollution?
These are the pollutant emissions resulting from the construction, use, and delivery of digital technology.
It currently accounts for 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Data centers around the world, with their millions of physical servers, operate 24/7 to process our data.
Every year, the energy consumption associated with digital technology increases by 9%. It is therefore crucial to take action, as digital pollution is considered to be a major contributor to global pollution.
According to the preliminary report of the Senate fact-finding mission on the environmental footprint of digital technology, greenhouse gas emissions from digital technology could increase significantly if nothing is done to reduce its footprint: +60% by 2040.
So how can we reduce our digital footprint? Here are some simple but effective tips:
Tip #1 - Manage your e-mails more effectively
- This harmless little word is stored on servers. And yes, a single email costs the planet a lot of money. So don't overdo it and take the time to organize your e-mail.
- Avoid sending unnecessary messages. If you need to talk to a colleague, go directly to his or her office or bundle several requests into a single e-mail.
- Check your messages carefully before sending them to avoid sending corrections or additional information in a new e-mail message.
- Limit the number of recipients. The smaller the number of recipients, the less digital pollution there will be.
- Use an anti-spam tool and regularly empty your recycle bin and Spam folder to save storage space.
- Unsubscribe from advertising newsletters that do not interest you.
- Compress the files you send to reduce their size and save storage space on the servers.
Tip 2 - Master your Web Browser
- Use eco-responsible search engines that do not store your data and protect your privacy.
- Be precise in your searches to save energy. More targeted searches can save the equivalent of a 40 km car trip.
- When you know the address of a Web page, type it directly into the address bar instead of using a search engine.
Tip #3 - Turn off
- Shut down regularly to save energy. Turn off your modem or router at night and when you are away.
- Turn off your computer completely instead of leaving it on standby.
- Turn off notifications on social networks and in games to reduce your digital consumption.
Tip 4 - Adopt responsible data management
- Regularly sort through your files, delete those you no longer need, and archive important documents in an organized manner. This will free up storage space and reduce the energy load associated with managing unnecessary data.
- Limit streaming and downloads: Streaming videos and music and downloading files consume a lot of bandwidth and energy. Try reducing the frequency of these activities or opt for lower quality options to save energy.
Tip 5 - Opt for energy saving devices
When buying new electronic devices such as computers, smartphones or tablets, opt for those that are energy efficient. Look for energy efficiency certifications to make sure you are using environmentally friendly equipment.
By adopting these simple tips, you can help reduce your digital footprint and protect the environment. Every little bit helps, so get involved in the fight against digital pollution today. Together we can make a difference!
