The digital sector is responsible for around 3.4% of annual greenhouse gas emissions globally, and consumes billions of gallons of water. In 2023, Google reported consuming over 6 billion gallons of water to cool all its data centres. 

But there are ways you can minimise your impact when you’re online. We’ve put together our top 10 to get you started: 

  1. Minimise your use of AI  
     
    AI is extremely energy intensive – did you know asking ChatGPT a question requires 10x more electricity than a Google Search? The indirect emissions of large tech companies rose by 150% in three years, thanks to AI, and there are concerns about the ethics of its models too, such as bias and job displacement. However, it’s also worth pointing out that data centres are currently responsible for only 1% of global electricity consumption, so make a relatively small contribution to energy demand currently. 

    Consider whether it’s necessary to use AI for your task – would a regular search engine be able to give you the information you’re looking for instead?  

  2. Clear out old emails and inboxes  
     
    Emails have a surprisingly large digital footprint. If everyone in Britain sent one less thank you email a day, we would save 16,433 tonnes of carbon a year - the same as 81,152 flights to Madrid. Avoid sending unnecessary emails to reduce your impact. It’s good practice to clear your deleted emails folder regularly, as well as your junk folder.  

  3. Delete old files and photos 
     
    Just like old emails, files and photos all have a digital footprint. Declutter old files and get in the habit of regularly reviewing your photos, so that you can delete screenshots, repeated files, and anything you just don’t need anymore. Digital decluttering will also save the amount of time and energy you spend searching for files too.  

  4. Unsubscribe from mailing lists  

    The best way to keep your inbox manageable is to take time to unsubscribe from mailing lists you’re not interested in. This can also have a ripple effect in reducing consumption by limiting the number of advertisements and offers you’re receiving.  

  5. Use an eco-friendly browser, like Ecosia  

    Reduce your environmental impact with a green browser. Ecosia plants trees every time someone uses its search engines, gives 100% of its profits for the planet, and is developing less energy intensive AI models. They produce more clean energy than it takes to power all of their searches and AI queries too.  

  6. Unplug your devices 
     
    Okay, you probably know this one, but it’s all too easy to leave your laptops and phones plugged in and charging even after they’ve hit 100%. Only charge your devices when needed and make the best use of your devices power saving modes to minimise unnecessary power consumption.  

  7. Reduce video streaming 
     
    Video streaming is one of the most power consuming activities you can do online. Avoid “passive streaming” by not having streaming services playing in the background, and switch to radio or podcast for background noise instead.  

  8. Lower the brightness on your monitor or switch to dark mode   
     
    The brighter your screen, the more energy it is using. You can manually turn down your brightness settings, use dark mode in apps or on your phone, and choose screensavers that are darker, instead of white to save power consumption. 

  1. Keep your devices for longer 
     
    If you were only to keep your phone for two years, half the carbon footprint of your phone is tied up in how the device was made. The longer you keep and repair a device, the better. Up to 83% of carbon associated with your laptop comes from manufacturing, rather than use. For lower-carbon options, choose refurbished devices, or consider buying easily repairable devices, such as the Fairphone.  

  2. Finance renewable energy projects  

    We can use greener, cleaner energy to power digital activities. By investing in renewable energy sources, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and help reduce the carbon footprint of digital activity and devices. See how Triodos Bank uses money to make a difference here: KWYMG map.