Cutting Back on Digital Waste

We produce tons of waste through online activity and physical hardware, but there are simple ways to cut back.

Everyone knows how important it is to eliminate waste and help protect the environment. We recycle bottles and cans, cut down on plastics, reduce landfill and power consumption, and conserve water during droughts. These everyday efforts matter — but they’re only part of the picture.

There’s a form of waste that gets much less attention yet has huge consequences: digital waste. A true 21st-century plague, it can be just as impactful — and sometimes even more so.

It may seem counterintuitive that the digital revolution — which helped us reduce paper and commute less — could harm the environment. But the trade-off is that our essential digital devices create an entirely different kind of pollution.

Digital technology produces mountains of e-waste and consumes gigawatts of energy. Take artificial intelligence, for example: while it can streamline workflows and improve productivity, it's powered by sprawling data centers that consume vast amounts of electricity. Consider that AI data centers are energy hogs that account for more than 1% of global electricity use, and a third of that comes from coal and natural gas. A single AI model can emit more than 626,000 pounds of carbon dioxide, according to research at the University of Massachusetts. That’s equivalent to roughly five times the average emissions of a car over its lifespan.

“As more industries digitalize, the demand for energy-hungry technologies will escalate, further straining already stressed ecosystems and compounding social and environmental inequities,” states a report by the David Suzuki Foundation, an organization dedicated to environmental research and education. “Addressing rising digital carbon footprints requires collective action at individual and institutional levels.”

So, what can we do? Here are a handful of steps that can help:

Transfer your data to the cloud

By migrating data to cloud-based storage, companies can reduce their need for physical hardware, a medium that consumes a great deal of energy, cutting carbon emissions by up to 50%. Popular cloud solutions like Google Drive, iCloud and Microsoft OneDrive are easily accessible for personal and business use, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers a wide range of cloud options for companies large and small. Reaching for the cloud also simplifies data management, tightens data security, and helps to eliminate e-waste caused by obsolete physical hardware.

Optimize power settings

Businesses can minimize their carbon footprint simply by optimizing power settings and access on all their electronic devices. Computers, tablets and laptops are among the worst energy-gobbling culprits but setting them in sleep or hibernate mode when not in use can go a long way toward reducing consumption. So can turning off monitors and printers when not in use. Consider using power strips with built-in timers or smart plugs that automatically cut off power during non-working hours to maximize energy efficiency. And when it’s time to invest in new equipment and devices, opt for those with recycled materials whenever possible, and take energy efficiency ratings into consideration. You can’t go wrong with products that have earned ENERGY STAR certification.

Ease up on emails and attachments

The emergence of emails back in the ’90s was a godsend for businesses, allowing quick messages and files to be transmitted to any number of people anywhere in the world, replacing the clunky fax machine and snail mail for most communications. But every email, image and attached document — even every “like” or social media comment — moves through many layers of internet infrastructure, including servers at large data centers, each layer eating up electricity. So, reduce data use as much as possible, unsubscribe from unwanted newsletters, and delete unused phone apps. And keep in mind that AI uses an estimated four to five times the energy of a conventional web search, so minimize use, avoiding it for simple answers and tasks.

Hold virtual meetings

Switching just one meeting from in-person to virtual can save tons of carbon emissions — up to 2.2 of them, according to Virtu, a worldwide green solutions consulting company. Thankfully, technology has made it possible to connect anywhere in the world, avoiding business trips whenever possible and all the pollution produced by trains, planes and cars. Think of the carbon emissions eliminated just by reducing commutes, avoiding traffic along with the reduction in office energy use and waste. Microsoft Teams is a popular way for co-workers to stay connected in their home offices, and everybody knows about Zoom. Not incidentally, it also adds to employee productivity and cuts down on expenses.

Recycle e-waste responsibly

The rapid advancements in technology can make businesses run more efficiently and even help conserve resources, if properly managed. But when it’s time to upgrade, what happens to the old devices? E-waste is a growing problem with enormous consequences. According to the World Economic Forum, roughly 60 million tons of it is produced every year, enough to cover the entire island of Manhattan. And the number is projected to grow significantly unless action is taken.

Recycling old equipment in a responsible way is essential for reducing hazardous landfill. Recovering and sometimes reusing valuable resources, recycling also cuts back on the need for raw materials and minimizes the environmental impact of manufacturing new devices. Businesses can sometimes donate old equipment that still works, extending its lifecycle. Large tech-heavy companies and organizations should consider partnering with a professional IT recycling service that will recycle responsibly and securely when it’s time to upgrade.

At UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education, we recognize that sustainability starts with awareness — and responsible action. Our LEED-certified building is just one reflection of that commitment to reducing environmental impact. As part of a campus recognized for its environmental leadership, we endeavor to share smarter, more efficient ways to work — from virtual learning opportunities to digital-first tools that minimize unnecessary consumption. We all have a role to play in reducing digital waste and embracing technology that aligns with a more sustainable future. Learn more about our courses and programs, and our mission, vision, and values at ce.uci.edu.