Please Be Aware of Our Digital Carbon Footprint

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What is the meaning of carbon footprint? A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by our actions. Our actions, such as pollution coming from our cars, motorcycles. Pollution from industrial activities, burning trash and, surprisingly, can you believe this, our digital activities can also contribute to the increase in our carbon footprint. How many hours do we spend a day on the internet, using anything digital? For me, more than 7 hours honestly, how about you? We are contributing to the negative effects of a carbon footprint.

Should we worry? Yes, generally, the impact of an increased carbon footprint increases the earth's temperature. Because of this increase, it will then cause climate change. On top of that, EPA predicted that because of climate change, there will be a decrease in clean water supply. The reason for this is caused by draught and the increase in sea level.

Now, going. Back to the carbon footprint which is caused by our digital activities, research from digital.worldcleanupday.org revealed that storing 1GB of email for a year equals to consuming 32.1 kWh. Of power. This is the same as using an oven for ten hours to bake. Other research explains that an email has approximately 230 KB, which equals 7.4 WH a year. That means if someone deletes 30 emails, it means that they are stored 222 WH of power.

The question is what should we do to reduce the carbon footprint?

The solution is very simple, everyone. 

First, we have to reduce our digital footprint, which means using fewer hours online. 

Second, is to decrease the consumption of electricity.

Third, to get rid of digital garbage, like unimportant emails, unnecessary data, etc. 

And the last is to have a healthy digital lifestyle.

So what are we going to do about this? Let’s start saving the planet by lessening our digital consumption. When we start, we can start NOW.  As Margaret Atwood said: s“The threat to the planet is us. It's actually not a threat to the planet - it's a threat to us.” (Margaret Atwood).