In our daily lives, we are increasingly aware of the impact of our actions on the planet. We pay attention to automobile pollution, we recycle our waste, we preserve the oceans...And companies are getting into CSR 😉 (A quick reminder for those who were present at our wonderful 2023 Convention at the foot of the Eiffel Tower).
But did you know that we're 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 thousands of servers around the world, running non-stop.
What exactly is digital pollution?
These are pollutant emissions resulting from the construction, use and supply of digital technology.
It currently accounts for 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The world's data centers, with their millions of physical servers, operate 24/7 to process our data.
Every year, energy consumption linked to digital technology increases by 9%. It is therefore crucial to act, as digital pollution is considered one of the main contributors to global pollution.
According to the preliminary report of the Senate's information mission on the environmental footprint of the digital economy, GHG emissions from the digital sector could increase significantly if nothing is done to reduce their footprint: +60% by 2040.
So how can we reduce our digital environmental footprint? Here are a few simple but effective tips:
Tip 1 - Manage your emails more efficiently
This harmless little word is stored on servers. And yes, a simple e-mail costs the planet a lot of money. So don't overdo it, and take the time to sort it out.
- Avoid sending unnecessary messages. If you need to talk to a colleague, go straight to his or her office, or combine several requests in a single email.
- Check your messages carefully before sending them to avoid sending corrections or additional information in a new email.
- Limit the number of recipients. The fewer, the less digital pollution.
- Use an anti-spam tool and regularly empty your recycle garbage can and Spam folder to save storage space.
- Unsubscribe from advertising newsletters that don't interest you.
- Compress the files you send to reduce their size and save storage space on servers.
Tip No. 2 - Master your Internet browser
- Use eco-friendly search engines (yes, they do exist!) that don't 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 journey.
- When you know the address of a website, type it directly into the address bar rather than using a search engine.
Tip No. 3 - Disconnect
- Log off regularly to save energy. Switch off your modem or router at night and when you're away.
- Switch off your computer completely instead of leaving it in standby mode.
- Deactivate notifications on social networks and games to reduce your digital consumption.
Tip 4 - Adopt responsible data management
- Sort through your files regularly, deleting those you no longer need and archiving important documents in an organized way. This will free up storage space and reduce the energy consumption associated with managing unnecessary data.
- Limit streaming and downloads: Streaming videos, music and file downloads consume large amounts of bandwidth and energy. Try to reduce the frequency of these activities, or opt for lower-quality options to save energy.
Tip 5 - Choose energy-efficient appliances
When buying new electronic devices such as computers, smartphones or tablets, give preference to those that are energy-efficient. Look for energy efficiency certifications to make sure you're using environmentally-friendly devices.
By adopting these simple tips, you can help reduce your digital footprint and preserve the environment. Every little bit helps, so get involved today in the fight against digital pollution. Together, we can make a difference!
