Digital waste has become an important issue today. When Warga Asri participated in the second day of the #AksiAsri365 challenge to explore different types of waste, the focus was usually on physical waste. People from the 90s and earlier often learned about waste types as organic and inorganic from their school textbooks.
However, reflecting on the previous #AksiAsri365 challenge to sort and delete 100 unnecessary emails, a crucial question arises: Are unnecessary emails considered waste? The answer is yes, and they are a form of digital waste.
Digital waste includes various files that are no longer used but still stored, such as emails, photos, audio, videos, and search histories. Accumulating digital waste can result in a digital carbon footprint because most of the energy used by electronic devices still comes from fossil fuels. According to Mike Hazas from Lancaster University, digital devices and the internet contribute 3.7% of global emissions, equivalent to the aviation industry. This emission is expected to double by 2025.
To reduce emissions from digital life, it is important to perform digital decluttering. Here are some easy tips for digital decluttering:
- Delete Unnecessary Emails
Unnecessary emails are digital waste with varying carbon footprints. Spam emails generate 0.3g CO2e, regular emails 4g CO2, and emails with attachments can reach up to 50g CO2. Start by deleting unnecessary emails to reduce your carbon footprint.
- Organize Files in Your Gallery
Many of us store photos and videos on our phones that may no longer be needed. Make it a habit to sort and delete files that are no longer necessary and organize your folders.
- Remove Unused Apps
Review the apps on your device. Delete apps that are rarely or never used to reduce storage load and energy consumption.
- Manage Your Download Folder
When surfing the internet, there is often a need to download files. Various files, from images, audio, to videos, are usually saved in the Downloads folder on your device.
So, Warga Asri, do you often check that Downloads folder? Don’t let those files pile up and be forgotten!
Regular digital decluttering is important, just like clearing out physical items that are no longer useful. So, are you ready to commit to regular digital decluttering for #IndonesiaAsri?
Author :Hayuning Ratri Hapsari
