Can you recall when Kylie Jenner took that 17-minute jaunt on a private jet? (1) Shockingly, the Internet emits roughly the same volume of carbon each year as the aviation industry(2). This implies that your plethora of untouched, stored emails or those late-night TikTok scrolls that last far longer than expected are adding to carbon emissions in quite the same way.
The Internet, despite its virtual nature, is notoriously grimy, primarily due to the pollution generated during the manufacturing of devices and in powering network infrastructure(3). The majority of digital assets you utilise, such as the cloud, offload their information onto colossal data centres that demand a staggering amount of energy to function effectively.
Although we may not be quite at Kylie's level with her private jet, we can work towards becoming climate achievers together by implementing a few small changes. Given that these emissions are estimated to double by 2025(4), it's paramount we each do our part to assist the cause.
So, where do we begin?
As I said, the Internet is far from a haven of cleanliness, but there’s much we can do to tidy up our own act and help make a wider difference. Start with these recommendations and let’s continue the conversation.
If want to do more than just reduce your digital carbon footprint? At GLDN Studio, we build digital solutions with sustainability and style in mind. Let’s shape a more sustainable future for your business online. Contact us today to learn about our sustainable design and development services.
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