With technology becoming part of our daily life, digital sustainability has emerged as a new concept that refers to the capacity to use technology responsibly, minimising its environmental impact and maximising its contribution to society. In an increasingly connected world, digital sustainability is essential for ensuring a prosperous and equitable future.
Here are ten tips to help you to be more sustainable in your use of technology:
1. Optimise energy use: Configure your devices to use the energy saving mode and turn them off or leave them powered down when you’re not using them.
2. Reduce, reuse, recycle: Where possible, use refurbished or reconditioned electronic devices instead of buying new ones. Recycle your old electronic devices responsibly.
3. Use the cloud for storage: Use cloud services to store files and data instead of using servers and physical discs.
4. Buy energy efficient devices: When purchasing new devices, look for energy efficient options with certificates such as ENERGY STAR.
5. Minimise unnecessary browsing: Avoid the automatic reproduction of videos and animations, as these consume a large amount of energy and data.
6. Eliminate unnecessary apps and files: Clean your devices and servers of apps and files you no longer use. This will help reduce the burden that the use of resources has on the system.
7. Use digital communication: Choose email, instant messaging and videoconferencing instead of paper communication or unnecessary journeys.
8. Keep software updated: Keep your software updated to ensure you’re using the safest and most efficient versions.
9. Protect your privacy: Be aware of your personal data and how you share it online. Use safety tools and privacy configurations to protect your information.
10. Foster digital responsibility: Educate yourself and others about digital sustainability and promote the responsible use of technology through education and awareness.
We hope these tips provide some guidance and help you to use technology and the digital environment more sustainably.
