There is no doubt that the internet has revolutionised the way we live our everyday lives. It has made communication, information, and entertainment accessible to everyone, anywhere in the world.
However, it’s definitely not all sunshine and rainbows. With an increase in internet usage, comes an increased impact on the environment. From data centres to electronic devices, the internet’s carbon footprint is…well, HUGE.
As eco-conscious individuals, it is also important to be mindful in the online world. By taking a few simple steps, we can all easily reduce our digital footprint.
Keep reading as we reveal some tips on how to be an eco-conscious internet user…
Reduce Email Usage
Emails may seem harmless, but they contribute to your digital footprint in many ways. Every email you send or receive is stored on a server, consuming energy and resources. To reduce your carbon footprint, you can start by reducing email usage.
Instead of sending multiple emails, try to consolidate your thoughts into one email. If you’re a business owner who sends out marketing emails, try to avoid sending to unengaged audiences – this a huge waste of energy. And if you’re on the receiving end, you can also unsubscribe from unnecessary newsletters and promotional emails.
Turn Off Notifications
You may love to see who is liking your recent post, but notifications can actually be a significant waste of internet usage. To reduce your digital footprint, turn off unnecessary notifications, such as social media alerts or promotional emails. Not only will this reduce your device’s energy consumption, but it will also help you stay focused on other tasks, while saving your phone’s battery life.
Use Eco-Friendly Search Engines for Simple Search Terms
Most search engines are powered by data centres that consume a vast amount of energy. However, some search engines like Ecosia & OceanHero are dedicated to sustainability and use renewable energy to power their servers.
As well as being eco-friendly for users, these search engines also contribute even more to the planet. For example, Ecosia plants trees for every search, while OceanHero uses profits to help prevent plastics from entering oceans.
However, the downside of these search engines is that they provide very limited results. I mean, they are excellent if all you want is a cute cat picture, but if you’re conducting in-depth research or seeking information that is really precise, then we definitely recommend sticking with Google.
Unplug When Not In Use
Did you know that electronic devices consume energy even when they are not in use? This is known as standby power, and it also accounts for a portion of your electricity bill. To save yourself some money and reduce your carbon footprint, we suggest unplugging your phone, laptop and computers when you are not using them.
Delete Old Files from Online Drives
Storing too much data can have negative environmental impacts through increased energy consumption, resource use, and the production of electronic waste. It is important to manage data storage responsibly and delete any unnecessary files for an eco-conscious internet usage.
Use Eco-Friendly Websites
If you have read some of our recent blogs, you’ll know that it is also possible to create more eco-friendly websites. This is usually achieved through things like optimised images and reduced animations, both of which can help to reduce page loading times.
At Coconut Design, we are proud to be experts in this industry, helping lots of businesses to create and maintain much more eco-friendly websites. If this resonates with you or someone you know, please get in touch and we will be happy to help.
And there you have it, our top tips for making your internet usage more eco-conscious.
Why not test your website now via our FREE website checklist?