Every day, we all receive and send messages with files, pictures or videos via email, messenger and the like - whether for private or business purposes. This constantly fills the storage capacities of our mobile phones, notebooks and PCs. But are we also aware that storing huge amounts of data has a negative impact on the climate and the environment? A few thoughts on this from ERGO sustainability expert Josef Pommerening.
According to the "Databerg Report" by the IT company Veritas, an average of 32 percent of all stored data is redundant and no longer needed. But their negative impact on the climate and the environment is growing. The reason: the servers on which e-mails and other data are stored consume an enormous amount of electricity and thus cause high CO² emissions.
In order to reduce their own carbon footprint, users should therefore regularly rid their computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones of old waste. This means deleting all old files that are no longer needed, such as e-mails - including those in the spam folder - photos, videos, voice messages and documents.
Important: Don't forget to empty the recycle bin afterwards. Users can also sort out old WhatsApp or Messenger histories from time to time. This not only provides more storage space on the devices, but also protects the environment.
By the way: the less data stored on a smartphone or laptop, the faster most operating systems run.
Text: Josef Pommerening
Hier geht es zur deutschen Version dieses Textes: Daten löschen schont das Klima
Most popular