The Internet and the Environment – How to Reduce Your Internet Carbon Footprint
We are all aware of the term ‘global warming’ and how it has impacted the environment we live in. But, what does using the internet have anything to do with the environment? Well, you would be surprised to know that our internet habits do in fact have a significant impact on the environment. A good percentage of us tend to spend a maximum of hours online every day.
The reason is simple; the internet has made our lives so much easier in comparison to a decade back. We stay in touch with our loved ones and our co-workers from all around the world. Moreover, we rely on the internet for our daily entertainment such as Netflix, online gaming, and music.
Also, when it comes to internet connections and their impact on the environment, fiber-optic is always a good option, which we will discuss later on. If you are looking for fiber-optic plans, you can consider WOW Internet deals!
Since most of you out there have no clue about how using the internet impacts our environment, we have decided to share how you can reduce your internet carbon footprints and why fiber-optic has the least amount of impact on the environment.
What is Internet Carbon Footprint?
So, what does internet carbon footprint mean? Every time you search or simply use the internet, a set of data is communicated and transferred from your device to the server the particular website is hosted on. All servers are always working around the clock.
These servers need access to not only power but air conditioning as well so that they remain cool. Don’t we all shut our laptop screens if we are going to be away from our desks? We do this because we don’t want our laptops to use so much energy and heat themselves up.
The same implies to these servers, they are always using energy as they operate 24/7. Basically, the more data you send, the more electricity the servers will use. Therefore, it is important to be aware of how much data we actually need to use.
How to Reduce Your Internet Carbon Footprint?
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Your Electronics
When it comes to electronic devices, the newest model is typically quickly replaced by something even more cutting-edge and superior.
It’s fun and simple to get the latest and greatest piece of technology, and we don’t necessarily give much thought to what will become of our old gadgets once we update.
Evaluate the possibility of passing it on to a friend or family member, or donating it to a good cause. This is far preferable to dumping it in a landfill. Also, if your gadget is malfunctioning, consult a professional to see whether it can be fixed to extend its useful life.
Leave Your Electronics Unplugged Unless They Are Actively Charging
Your phone won’t overcharge, but it will automatically restart charging whenever its battery level drops below 100%. Charging your phone to its maximum capacity repeatedly will eventually kill its battery.
it still wastes energy. If you want your phone to be completely charged before you get out of bed in the morning, charge it the night before, put it in Airplane Mode or Do Not Disturb, and then plug it back in while you get ready.
Drop the Emails
Emails require electricity and data to send, receive, and store, just like any other computer-based activity. So, before you fire off that email, ask yourself if it’s necessary. That’s doubly true if the recipient of your email is sitting in the same cubicle.
Consider the mailing lists and newsletters to which you currently subscribe. You can save time and resources by doing an audit of your subscriptions and canceling those you no longer wish to receive.
Opt for Cloud-based Servers
Traditionally, people and companies have used either shared or dedicated servers to host their websites and store their data. The need for cloud servers, however, has increased significantly over the past decade due to the paradigm shift toward cloud computing.
Use your resources wisely and pay only for the services you really use with cloud servers, which can significantly reduce your operational and maintenance costs.
Why Choose Fiber-Optic?
Fiber-optic internet is not only praiseworthy for its insanely fast speeds but also because it is a sustainable choice.
There are various types of internet connections, but fiber-optic and cable internet are the two most common ones out there. They are widely available and offer reliable speeds. However, among the two, fiber-optic networks are much more eco-friendly.
Fiber-optic uses sustainable materials, such as silicon dioxide. This is found in sand and rock, making it an easily available raw material that will probably never run out. Whereas cable networks use copper cables which is damaging to the environment in the long run. Once fiber-optic connections are laid down, they use less energy and also require minimal to no maintenance.
Conclusion
We hope you will do your part in reducing your internet carbon footprint by following the tips shared above. Also, if you are looking to change your internet connection, fiber-optic is a great option because of its sustainability!
