There are different strategies that can be implemented to manage digital resources efficiently, minimise waste, and embrace eco-friendly alternatives.
Devices and electronics:
- Simplifying device usage: unused apps on our devices consume data and energy even when not actively being used. Let us regularly check for them and remove them.
- Extending the lifespan of equipment: we should maximise the use of the devices we already have before searching for new devices by attempting to repair them whenever possible. Prioritising refurbished device options over new ones would reduce electronic waste. We can also pass them on to others who are in need and we can ensure they are recycled at the end of their lifecycle . The manufacturing of a PC could cut in half the environmental impact if the lifespan is extended.
- Reducing the number of accounts being used is a smart choice, leading to the reduction of energy use and thus decreasing environmental impact.
Data usage:
- Choosing websites and applications with a lighter impact, like Google, Facebook and Apple that have committed to powering their data centres with 100 per cent renewable energy.
- Turning off autoplay features and opting to download videos instead of streaming.
- Regularly deleting temporary files and browsing history.
- Optimising data storage: instead of storing data locally on computers, opting for cloud storage solutions is the alternative, especially those powered by renewable energy.
- Using eco-friendly search engines: using sustainable search engines like Ecosia or OceanHero that contribute to environmental initiatives. Every few searches you make on these engine, funds the planting of trees or ocean cleanups projects.
Email management:
- Minimising email traffic by being conscious about the emails sent and received. Let us make sure to send only the necessary emails.
- Optimising the size of sent files by compressing attachments, going for ‘Plain text’ instead of ‘Rich text’ formatting to reduce data usage and avoiding inserting images in our email signature to save on data.
- Sharing via file transfer services instead of sending email attachments by using platforms like SharePoint/Dropbox to disseminate files.
- Regularly deleting unneeded emails and unsubscribing from newsletters we do not read.
- Using social media as a primary communication channel with the audience is an environmentally friendly step that can be taken. Major platforms like Facebook and Instagram have already taken steps towards achieving carbon neutrality.
Website management:
A website is often a primary communication tool for institutions such as museums. These very same websites can also be a significant source of CO2 emissions. There are tools that have been developed to help you evaluate the carbon footprint and environmental impact of your website and get information on how to make your website more sustainable environmentally friendly.
- The Green Web Foundation provides tools to check if your website functions on green energy. They also have “The Green Web Directory », which is an open service that makes it easier to identify green web hosting providers and switch to a green web hosting service that operates on renewable energy (e.g., GreenGeeks, Kualo, Runbox).
- There are also different free online calculators that can measure the carbon footprint of the websites you have: you can get a free report through Ecoping on their website.
- Ecometer.org is an online tool that assists in designing and building more sustainable digital services. It can evaluate your current web design practices, highlighting those that align with sustainable standards and has a long list of good practices that can guide you to reduce your digital service’s environmental footprint further.