Have you ever wondered if browsing the web, going from an online store to your latest Pinterest board, could in any way contribute to global warming?
It is true that while lounging on our couch, browsing on our mobile phones, we do not want to imagine that we are polluting. Yet, with every search, every page load, we contribute, if only a little, to warming the planet.
In this article, we propose to demystify the less cheerful reality behind our browsing: digital pollution. Do not worry, true to our habits, we also offer solutions to reduce your digital footprint; let us not be so fatalistic!
What is Digital Pollution?
It may seem paradoxical, but our digital activities, however virtual they may be, have a very real environmental cost. Digital pollution refers to all environmental impacts generated by the sum of our digital activities. And this is not a new problem. Indeed, it is estimated that digital technology is responsible for approximately 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions1. We would say it is urgent to become aware and informed about this issue!
What are the Causes of Digital Pollution?
The pollution generated by the digital industry can be explained in three parts, linked to the three phases of a device’s life cycle: manufacturing, use, and management of discarded devices. Let us see why each of these phases proves to be polluting.
Device Manufacturing
Our new phones and computers do not fall from the sky. Scoop: it takes quite a lot of raw materials to create these sophisticated devices. The extraction of raw materials necessary for the manufacturing of our electronic devices has a considerable environmental impact. Mining leads to deforestation, water pollution, and the emission of greenhouse gases.
Device Usage
Despite the fact that one might think the websites and videos we consult are stored in a cloud, far from any pollution, this is not the case. Literally all web content is stored on servers, which are themselves housed in immense warehouses called data centers. Yes, the famous cloud is not really a cloud, but more like a large warehouse resembling a Costco. Disappointing, is it not? Every time we load a page, these servers work and consume energy to send us information in real time to our computers. For one user, this represents a small amount of energy consumed, but multiplied by billions of users, it has a significant (not to say monstrous) energy impact. These data centers pollute because they must be refrigerated and operate 24/7, which requires a large amount of energy, which, in most cases, comes from fossil fuels.
Management of Obsolete Devices
That is not all: once our devices have reached the end of their useful life, they become electronic waste. This waste, often poorly managed, contains toxic substances that can contaminate soil and water if not recycled correctly.
How to Reduce the Environmental Footprint of My Digital Consumption?
We are sincerely sorry to be the bearer of bad news, to be the one who makes you feel bad about spending your daily 30 minutes on TikTok, comfortably slumped on your couch. We too would have preferred to continue wasting our time with a clear conscience.
Now that we are aware, there is no turning back. So, let us explore together how to limit our digital consumption and reduce our environmental impact. There are countless ways to adopt more responsible digital behaviors, but let us start by identifying a few for each phase of a device’s life cycle.
Device Manufacturing
If giants manufacture so many digital devices, it is because the demand for them is not decreasing. Before rushing into the Apple lineup for the next iPhone release, consider these few questions:
- Do I really need to replace my device?
- My device is broken, but could I repair it rather than replace it entirely?
- Could I buy a used device to give it a second life and reduce the production of a new device? We even have a client, SecondCell, who specializes in this.
Extending the lifespan of a device and/or acquiring a used device is a simple but effective gesture.
Device Usage
As mentioned, with every request, we contribute, if only a little, to warming the planet. So, what should we do? Stop clicking everywhere? We agree, it is a bit difficult when our jobs and a large part of our lives now take place via our computers. What if we told you that you can consult websites that have made an effort to be greener? Interesting, right?
If you are a website manager, know that there are many solutions to reduce your website’s impact on the environment.* Here are some simple tips:
- Choose a sustainable host: It is like choosing a green electricity provider. Some hosts use renewable energy to power their servers, and those are the ones you want to partner with!
- Optimize your site: A lightweight website consumes less energy, and above all, it loads faster. It is good for your users’ experience, good for your search engine ranking, good for the environment—in short, everyone benefits!
- Fewer images and videos: Images and videos are beautiful, but they weigh down your site. Use lightweight formats and compress your files as much as possible.
If you wish to make your website greener or design a new, more responsible website, do not hesitate to contact us. The possibilities are endless, and we would be very happy to assist you in your mission.
* If you are not a website manager, know that there are many ways to reduce your digital footprint (storing files, emptying your email inbox, limiting streaming, etc.). We decided to focus on the concept of eco-responsible web design today, but perhaps we will discuss it more in a future article.
Digital Waste Management
Is your computer or phone truly broken? Is there nothing left to do? Make sure to dispose of this device properly! It can be tempting to slip a used device into the trash, hidden under dinner leftovers, but it is important to resist the temptation. Our digital devices contain many chemicals dangerous to the environment and human health, such as lead, mercury, etc. If these substances end up in a landfill, they can contaminate soil, groundwater, and air, in addition to endangering the health and safety of waste treatment center workers.
There are hundreds of drop-off points in Quebec to properly recycle your electronic products. You can find a center near you by consulting the link: Recycle My Electronics.
Digital pollution is a major challenge, but also an opportunity to rethink our relationship with technology. By favoring more sustainable solutions and encouraging companies to adopt more responsible practices, we can create a greener digital world that is more respectful of our planet. Yes, it is possible to reconcile technology and ecology.
Interested in continuing the discussion? Do not hesitate to email us!
1 Agence de la transition écologique, France, March 2020
