From recycling your old smartphone to choosing more sustainable technological devices, discover 10 habits you can adopt to help reduce the carbon footprint of digital technology. The future of the planet belongs to us all, and you can make a difference too!
Longer-lasting devices
#1 Stick with your device
The environmental impact of smartphones and other technological equipment is mainly due to their manufacturing process. To limit their carbon footprint, take care of them on a daily basis. Keep them for as long as possible and consider repairing rather than replacing them.
If you like to be at the cutting edge of technology, you can buy a refurbished device or recycle and give your own smartphone a second life.
#2 Give your tech a second life
Are you moving home? Have you replaced your IT hardware? Don't forget to return your router and decoder to your service provider. They can be used by other people and will have a new life.
Don't forget that computer and electronic equipment can be recycled. Instead of leaving your old hardware lying around, take it to a recycling centre.
In the same vein, you can also opt for hardware that incorporates eco-design principles and has a limited carbon footprint from the outset.
More responsible habits
#3 Opt for Wi-Fi over 4G
Whenever possible, choose a Wi-Fi connection over a mobile network. Be aware that 4G uses three times more electricity than ADSL and ten times more than fibre!
#4 Downloading is more eco-friendly than streaming
Watching videos on the web consumes loads of energy, about 80% of all bandwidth used!
If possible, avoid streaming and opt for downloading instead. You can also reduce the resolution of the videos you watch, depending on your screen size. On social networks, think about disabling automatic video playback and limiting HD images.
#5 Do some digital spring cleaning
Using digital technologies creates huge amounts of data. This data is stored in data centres and on servers that, in turn, need energy to function.
To avoid unnecessary storage and consumption, start doing a regular review of the data you keep: delete emails you no longer need, empty your junk folder, only keep photos you need, unsubscribe from newsletters you never read, and so on.
Saving energy easily
#6 On or off, no standby
Even if it is more economical, the standby mode of your devices still consumes energy. So, turn off your router, TV, smartphone and computer when you are not using them for a long time. They too need a rest.
#7 Unplug
It's true, a charger that is plugged in still uses electricity even if it isn’t charging anything. Once your device is fully charged, remember to unplug the charger.
#8 Get the most out of your device's battery
To reduce energy consumption, it is important to get the most out of your device's charge. Smartphones and computers have several features to help with this. For example, you can activate energy saving mode, reduce the brightness of your screen, and choose black screensavers, which consume less energy.
#9 #_msocom_1Don't forget apps running in the background
Bluetooth, mobile network and location features, as well as mobile apps, all use up your device's battery charge. Turn these tools on only when you need them and close your apps when you're not using them. Every penny counts!
#10 Set your screen to dark mode
Did you know that it takes a lot of energy to display colours and white on our screens? By turning on dark mode, you can extend the battery life of your device. Another important advantage is that dark mode improves visual comfort by reducing exposure to blue light. No more headaches or eye strain!
Do you want to change your smartphone and do the environment a favour at the same time?
Orange Luxembourg lets you trade in your old smartphone to give it a second life for an excellent discount – up to €400 depending on the model – off your brand-new mobile. So, you can help the environment and your wallet!
