Digital Technology and the Environment

Digital technology accounts for 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions: that is 1.5 times more than air transport!

Here, we will look at what digital waste is and 4 simple steps to manage it in an eco-friendly way.

What is digital waste?

Digital waste refers to any part of an electronic component that is useless, superfluous, or obsolete. This digital waste is becoming increasingly concerning because it is often difficult to process. It often contains toxic substances such as mercury, lead, and cadmium. These substances can contaminate the air, soil, and groundwater if the waste is not treated correctly. Furthermore, producing this equipment requires extracting raw materials and using energy, which also contributes to the overall environmental impact. It is important to note that digital waste can be a source of sensitive data leaks and cybercrime. It is therefore essential to manage digital waste responsibly.

How to manage digital waste?

Managing your digital waste responsibly is not that difficult. Here are 4 fairly simple ways to do it:

Recycle your electronic devices: Buy refurbished items or donate/resell devices you no longer use to competent companies so they can be recycled.

Companies specializing in digital recycling: Manutan, Techbuyer, Ecosystem

Delete unnecessary data stored on your devices (emails, photos, videos, files, etc.).

Turn off your devices if you are not using them (e.g., a computer or television left on in the background).

For companies specifically: Entrust your IT infrastructure to specialized companies and experts so that it is managed to ensure optimal efficiency while generating minimal waste.

Check out our managed services offer to learn more, or contact us directly for further information.