Digital technology is ubiquitous in our daily lives, but what are its environmental impacts, and how can we mitigate them? The third result of the eGreen project, guides us through the production, use, and disposal of digital devices, offering strategies for digital sobriety and best practices to reduce our ecological footprint.
The manual “How to Reduce the Environmental Impact of Digital Technology” was developed thanks to the partnership between France, Ireland, Italy, and Estonia, within the framework of the eGreen project. This educational tool provides a comprehensive overview of the environmental effects of digital technology, exploring the stages of production, use, and disposal of digital devices, and outlining future initiatives for a more sustainable digital future.
Production of Digital Devices
The production of digital devices has a significant environmental impact, contributing to large amounts of greenhouse gas emissions and consumption of natural resources. The production of a single laptop can emit up to 270 kg of CO2, equivalent to driving 1,600 km in a car. Additionally, the extraction of raw materials and manufacturing processes release pollutants that can contaminate soil and water resources.
Daily Use
The daily use of digital devices represents another major source of environmental impact. The prevalence of smartphones and other devices has led to a significant increase in internet usage, with over 5.35 billion users worldwide at the beginning of 2024. This massive usage contributes to the digital carbon footprint, which accounted for about 2-3% of global CO2 emissions in 2020.
Disposal of Digital Devices
The end-of-life of digital devices presents further environmental challenges. Many devices end up in landfills, contributing to about 20 million tons of non-recyclable waste annually. The manual highlights the importance of recycling and extending the lifespan of devices to reduce this waste.
Future Initiatives
For a sustainable digital future, the manual proposes several initiatives, including promoting digital sobriety and developing regulations that incentivize the production of durable and easily repairable devices.
In conclusion, the manual “How to Reduce the Environmental Impact of Digital Technology” is a valuable and practical resource for understanding and addressing the environmental challenges posed by digital technology. It is particularly useful in educational settings, where it can be used to raise awareness among younger generations. We encourage everyone to download the manual through the provided link to contribute to a more sustainable future for our planet.
For further information contact Fabrizio Di Spezio fabrizio.dispezio@cesie.org.
About eGreen
eGreen is a project funded by the Erasmus+, KA220-VET – Cooperation partnerships in vocational education and training program.
Partners
- ADICE (France, coordinator)
- CESIE (Italy)
- MTE JOHANNES MIHKELSONI KESUK (Estonia)
- REDIAL PARTNERSHIP CLG (Ireland)
For further information
Read more about eGreen.
Contact Fabrizio Di Spezio: fabrizio.dispezio@cesie.org.
