Can Digital Habits Support a More Sustainable Lifestyle?
Living sustainably often involves thinking carefully about what we buy, how we get around and how much energy we consume at home. However, our digital habits are another part of daily life to consider. From watching films online to saving photos in the cloud, our online activities also require energy and resources.
A 2024 study estimated that the average global user’s digital content consumption generates around 229 kg of CO₂ equivalent each year, although the precise footprint varies by device, infrastructure and electricity source.
You do not need to stop using your favourite apps to reduce some of the waste associated with your digital habits. Small adjustments can help you use technology more responsibly without losing the convenience it brings to your life.
The Digital Environmental Footprint
The internet may seem environmentally harmless, but using it still consumes energy. Data centres need electricity to keep websites running and store data, while manufacturing phones and computers requires raw materials and energy.
As digital-waste specialist Gerry McGovern puts it, “Digital is physical. Digital is not green. Digital costs the Earth.” The services we access online ultimately depend on physical equipment, buildings and energy.
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The environmental impact depends on how we use technology and where the energy comes from. Manufacturing and disposing of electronic devices also contribute to the problem, as the environmental footprint of digital technologies extends across their entire life cycle.
This doesn’t mean you should feel guilty about watching a film or sending a message. Instead, small changes, like keeping your devices longer and avoiding unnecessary upgrades, can help you use technology more responsibly.
Make Your Devices Last Longer
One of the simplest ways to reduce your digital footprint is to keep your devices for longer. New phones, laptops and tablets often come with attractive features, but upgrading whenever a new model appears creates additional demand for materials and manufacturing.
Try looking after the devices you already own. Use a protective case, avoid exposing batteries to extreme temperatures and install software updates that keep your equipment secure and functional. If a device develops a minor problem, consider whether repairing it is more practical than replacing it.
Before purchasing another gadget, consider whether you really need a separate device or whether your existing laptop can serve the same purpose. Choosing good-quality products designed to last also makes sense from an environmental perspective.
When a device finally reaches the end of its useful life, look for a reputable electronics recycling program. Don’t leave old phones and chargers forgotten in a drawer if they can be safely reused or recycled.
Reduce Digital Clutter
Your emails, photos and cloud files might not seem related to sustainability, but storing data you no longer need requires digital infrastructure. Data centres use electricity to keep their systems running and may need extra energy to cool their equipment.
You don’t have to delete all your photos or emails to make a difference. Begin by identifying any duplicate images, obsolete files, past emails and any newsletters that you never go through. Small adjustments can help you use technology more responsibly without losing the convenience it brings to your life.
You can also review your cloud storage and remove unnecessary backups, making sure you don’t lose important documents or memories. Adopting sustainable digital habits can help you keep your files organized and avoid storing data you no longer need.
Stream More Thoughtfully
Streaming platforms are integral to how people experience entertainment today. Streaming consumes energy, which can vary depending on your content quality and the devices you use. For example, watching on a smaller, energy-efficient device may matter more than lowering the resolution alone. You could also download content that you expect to watch repeatedly.
People who use a VPN for streaming while travelling can still make thoughtful choices, such as disabling autoplay and selecting a resolution suited to their screen.
Use Digital Tools to Support Greener Choices
Technology can also help us make more sustainable choices. Rather than viewing digital habits only as a source of environmental impact, consider how online tools can help you reduce waste and make better decisions.
For example, meal-planning apps can help you organize shopping lists and avoid food waste. Second-hand shops offer used furniture, clothing and electronics, giving you alternatives to buying new items. You can also find local groups where people exchange things.
Smart home devices can help you track electricity use and manage heating or lighting. However, their benefits depend on how you use them. A smart thermostat that reduces unnecessary heating can be useful, but buying multiple connected devices you rarely use may consume more resources.
Just because a tool is digital doesn’t mean it’s sustainable. Focus on services that meet your needs, and avoid buying extra devices or paying for subscriptions you don’t really need.
Be Mindful of Everyday Online Activities
Small changes can make your digital habits more sustainable. For example, consider whether a voice call would work instead of a video call, share links rather than duplicate large files and remove apps you no longer use.
You can also turn off unnecessary notifications to spend less time scrolling. Being mindful of how we use technology can benefit us, as our digital habits have an impact on the planet.
Although these steps will not address the environmental impact of digital technology alone, they’ll play an important role in ensuring responsible technology usage when combined with durable devices, renewable energy and improved infrastructure.
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