In the summer of 2024, the LDIW network came together to co-create a strategic vision for the next six years. One of the key focus areas identified was Digital Sustainability—a critical topic that affects both our online and physical environments.
Recognising the importance of this issue, a dedicated working group was formed at the end of last year, led by Jaka Kranjc from the Ekologi brez meja / Let’s Do It Slovenia. The aim of the working group is to raise awareness about how technology adversely impacts our environment and promote digital sufficiency, offering practical steps to reduce digital waste.
But what exactly is digital waste? It’s the accumulation of unused digital content—old files, unnecessary emails, forgotten documents, and unorganised photos and videos—that continue to consume storage space, energy, and resources. Every piece of data we store requires power to maintain, and as a result, contributes to carbon emissions. Therefore, data that has lost its value and is unused (so called ‘dark data’) is an unnecessary burden. Just as we take responsibility for reducing physical waste, we must also embrace digital responsibility to minimise our environmental impact.
There are many ways we at LDIW encourage individuals and organisations to take action, such as:
To further amplify these efforts, the DCD & Green ICT working group is planning an exciting global initiative to promote Digital Cleanup Day, our annual event encouraging responsible management of digital waste. This initiative will encourage more LDIW teams to organise Digital Cleanup Day events in their respective countries. Additionally, the team is developing a Digital Waste training program, complete with valuable resources and actionable steps to help individuals and organisations implement digital sustainability practices.
At LDIW, we share a common goal—a healthy and waste-free world. Digital waste is not just an abstract problem; it has real-world consequences, contributing to physical waste, excessive energy consumption, and increased CO2 emissions. By embracing digital minimalism, cleaning up our digital spaces, and making mindful choices, we can collectively reduce our digital footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Let’s take action together—because a cleaner digital world means a cleaner planet for all.
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