Digital Cleanup: Reducing Footprint

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of Digital Cleanup?

Increasing email communication

Maximizing online storage

Minimizing digital footprint (correct)

Expanding cloud storage

Training one AI model can produce 500 tonnes of CO2.

False (B)

What is one tip to reduce email-related CO2 emissions?

Unsubscribe from newsletters you don’t read

Deleting unnecessary files from cloud storage can reduce __________ emissions.

CO2 Signup and view all the answers

Match the following activities with their corresponding CO2 emissions:

Emails = 0.5 kg of CO2e daily 1 TB of cloud storage = 2.7 kg of CO2 annually Training one AI model = 300 tonnes of CO2 Streaming in 4K = Increased energy consumption Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of emissions from devices occurs during production?

80-90% (C) Signup and view all the answers

Digital pollution can only be reduced by changing devices regularly.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What action can organizations take to enhance digital sustainability?

Educate employees on reducing their digital footprint Signup and view all the answers

Danny reduced 2.9 tonnes of CO2 per month by optimizing his __________.

plugins Signup and view all the answers

What is one way to minimize energy consumption when streaming?

Download content on Wi-Fi (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated reduction of CO2 emissions achieved by Danny's plugins monthly?

2950 kg (A) Signup and view all the answers

The average employee receives more than 1 kg of CO2e from emails daily.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one recommended action to take when using cloud storage?

Only store what you really need. Signup and view all the answers

Keep your battery in the ________ (20–80%): this helps extend its lifespan.

sweet spot Signup and view all the answers

Match the following emissions with their comparisons:

1 TB of cloud storage for one year = 2.7 kg of CO2 Eating 1 kg of beef = 25 kg of CO2 Driving a Toyota Yaris for 18,670 km = 158 g of CO2 per km Taking a flight from Amsterdam to New York = 679 kg of CO2 per flight Signup and view all the answers

What percentage more energy does streaming in 4K consume compared to lower resolutions?

60% (A) Signup and view all the answers

Buying a new device every 4 years is more impactful in terms of environmental emissions compared to every 3 years.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What organization does statik recommend for repurposing old devices?

Digital for Youth Signup and view all the answers

AI model training can emit the same amount of CO2 as ________ tonnes.

300 Signup and view all the answers

How can you reduce your CO2 footprint when sending emails?

Stop sending thank you emails. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Digital Cleanup: Reducing Your Digital Footprint

Digital Pollution: Unnecessary energy consumption and carbon emissions from data storage, emails, and online activities.
Digital Cleanup: Minimizing your digital footprint to reduce environmental impact.
Email Impact: The average employee receives over 0.5 kg of CO2 equivalent in emails daily.
Email Tips:
- Unsubscribe from unread newsletters.
- Avoid unnecessary "thank you" emails.
- Share documents via links instead of attachments.
Cloud Storage Impact: 1 TB of cloud storage generates 2.7 kg of CO2 annually.
Cloud Storage Tips:
- Delete unnecessary files.
- Avoid duplicate backups.
AI Impact: Training one AI model can create 300 tonnes of CO2.
AI Tips:
- Use AI responsibly.
- Optimize prompts to reduce resource use.
Video & Streaming Impact: 4K streaming consumes significantly more energy than lower resolutions.
Video & Streaming Tips:
- Download content on Wi-Fi instead of streaming.
- Choose lower resolutions when possible.
Device Impact: 80-90% of device emissions occur during production.
Device Tips:
- Extend device lifespan.
- Repair instead of replacing whenever possible.

Digital Cleanup Actions & Impact

Daily Digital Cleanup: Regular digital cleanup days are recommended.
Carbon Footprint Calculation: Use tools to calculate the carbon footprint of digital activity.
Employee Education: Educate employees on minimizing their digital footprint.
Example Impact (Danny): A WordPress developer reduced 2.9 tonnes of CO2 per month by optimizing code (shaving 1 kilobyte from requests).
Alternative Impact Comparisons:
- Driving a Toyota Yaris 18,670 km emits 158 g CO2 per km.
- 5 flights from Amsterdam to New York emit 679 kg CO2 per flight.
- 118 kg of beef emits 25 kg CO2 per kg of beef.

Further Digital Cleanup Tips

Email: Avoid images in signatures, using Tinify or similar tools. Stop thank you emails or thank people in advance. Share documents via links.
Cloud Storage: Only store necessary files. Avoid unnecessary extra storage. Clean up unnecessary files.
AI Usage: Be precise with AI prompts, provide examples, and understand AI biases and potential inaccuracies. Use AI tools for intended purposes only. Review AI use history.
Video & Streaming: Avoid unnecessary downloads or streams, switch from mobile internet to Wi-Fi, and turn settings off when unnecessary. Watch downloaded content on Wi-Fi. Switch off camera when not needed during meetings.
Device Maintenance: Dim the screen, keep the battery at 20-80% charge, and close unused apps. Turn on energy saving settings and give old devices a second life and consider turning in old phones for recycling.

Additional Information & Resources

statik: Leuven-based digital agency focused on digital sustainability.
Contact: [email protected] for questions and tips. [email protected] for internships.
Internship Opportunities: available for third-year college students.

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Description

Explore the ways to minimize your digital footprint and reduce your environmental impact. This quiz covers the effects of digital pollution from emails, cloud storage, AI, and streaming, along with practical tips for cleanup. Learn how your online activities contribute to carbon emissions and how to mitigate them.