Have you ever heard of Digital Pollution?  It’s something that’s quietly creeping into our lives, and not many people know about it. So, what’s the deal with digital pollution, and why should we give it a second thought?

Digital pollution is the not-so-glamorous side of digital technology. It’s the energy sucked up by data centres, the pile of old gadgets we’ve ditched, and the carbon footprint we’re building with every click and scroll. It’s the kind of pollution that sneaks up on us when we least expect it.

According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the information and communications technology (ICT) industry accounts for about 2% of global carbon emissions – that’s almost the same as the aviation industry!

But what is Digital Pollution?

Let’s break it down a bit. Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes when you hit ‘send’ on that email or binge-watch your favourite series online? It all starts with data centres – massive physical warehouses filled with servers that power our digital world. These data centres need tons of electricity to keep running, and that energy often comes from fossil fuels, adding to our carbon footprint. Some of the data centres use the same amount of energy as a small city! In 2018, data centres globally consumed around 1% of the world’s electricity supply, according to a study by Anders Andrae and Tomas Edler.

The most visible element of digital pollution is the technology we use every day, things like phones, laptops and tablets and these devices all have a life cycle that’s worth exploring. They’re born in factories, where raw materials are mined and processed, leaving a trail of environmental destruction in their wake. There is a whole different discussion to be had about how these materials are mined, often in developing countries, by vulnerable people, including children. Then, the devices are shipped worldwide, consuming even more energy and resources along the way. And when they finally reach the end of their life, most gadgets end up in landfills, where they leach toxic chemicals into the soil and water.

In 2019, approximately 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste were generated globally, according to the Global E-Waste Statistics Partnership.

While the scale of e-waste might not match industries like mining or manufacturing in terms of sheer volume, its impact lies in the hazardous materials contained within electronics and the challenges associated with their disposal and recycling. This is because an average mobile phone contains up to 150 components of mixed materials that are closely integrated, which makes it exceptionally difficult to recycle efficiently, which sadly means it is not cost-effective.

What Can I do to help?

We can all be part of the solution by changing our digital habits. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Declutter Your Digital Space: Do you really need to keep every file and email since 2005? Probably not. Clearing out digital clutter frees up space and reduces the strain on our digital infrastructure.

2. Give Old Gadgets a New Life: Instead of tossing your old gadgets in the trash, consider donating them or recycling them responsibly. Many electronics retailers offer recycling programs, making it easy to do your part.

3. Choose Energy-Efficient Devices: When upgrading your gadgets, look for energy-efficient options that consume less power. Not only will you save money on your energy bills, but you’ll also reduce your carbon footprint.

4. Support Sustainable Brands: Vote with your wallet by supporting companies prioritising sustainability in their products and practices. Look for brands that use recycled materials, minimise packaging, and prioritise renewable energy.

5. Spread the Word: Talk to your friends, family, and colleagues about the environmental impact of our digital habits. We can create a ripple effect of positive change by raising awareness and inspiring others to take action. If everyone takes a small step in the right direction, collectively, that’s a huge leap!

For some more tips and ideas, you can read more in this UNICEF article: https://www.unicef.org/armenia/en/stories/five-tips-reducing-your-digital-footprint

So, next time you’re scrolling through your feed or thinking about upgrading your gadgets, take a moment to think about the planet. With a little awareness and a lot of action, we can tackle digital pollution and make the virtual world cleaner and greener. Let’s get to it!