One of the best things about digital content creation and advertising—supposedly—is that it causes less of a strain on the environment than, say, traditional alternatives.
After all, posting a video ad on social media has nowhere near the environmental impact of putting up a billboard, right?
In a vacuum, that may be true.
However, with everyone constantly using their devices to consume and create content, electricity consumption continues to increase. In fact, studies have found that consumption of digital media accounts for 40% of the per capita carbon budget.
So what can we do as creators to do our fair share in protecting the Earth? You’d be surprised! Here are a few ways to be more environmentally friendly without compromising your content.
Steps to Make Your Set-up and Production Process More Eco-Friendly
The main thing you have control over is your production setup—you should start there. You likely use a variety of devices and programs that are running constantly.
Here are a few tips to reduce their environmental impact.
Equipment Management
- Choose energy-efficient hardware, like Energy Star-certified ones;
- Put all devices on power-saving modes if you can;
- Unplug any equipment when not in use to prevent phantom energy drain;
- Consider second-hand or refurbished equipment;
- Create lending or sharing networks with other local creators;
- Choose rechargeable batteries over disposable ones;
- Close programs you’re not using to minimize power consumption.
Platform Selection
Research the different platforms you use as a content creator. For example, there are several cloud storage providers out there, but not all of them might be environmentally friendly.
We won’t drop any brand names, but do your research and choose one with a commitment to being environmentally conscious.
Also, consider content delivery networks (CDNs) that optimize data transfer and make them more efficient.
VPN Usage
It’s very common for content creators to use VPNs for their security and privacy. And while that’s a great thing, using VPNs does require more power consumption, albeit only slightly more so.
To minimize a VPN’s power consumption, do the following:
- Thoroughly read through VPN info pages to choose the most energy-efficient one;
- Connect to the geographically nearest servers when possible to reduce data travel distance;
- Try split tunneling to only route necessary (like your most valuable files and data) through the VPN;
- Turn off your VPN when not actively needed for content creation.
Digital vs. Physical Resources
- Minimize printing by keeping scripts and notes digital;
- When printing is necessary, use recycled paper and print double-sided;
- Create digital press kits instead of physical ones;
- Use digital contracts and signatures.
File Optimization
The larger the size of your files and data, the more power your devices demand. Here are a few small things you can do:
- Compress videos and images when you can;
- Use appropriate file formats for different purposes;
- Implement efficient coding practices for websites and apps;
- Optimize your streaming bitrates to reduce unnecessary data transfer;
- Use cloud-based collaboration tools rather than sending multiple file versions;
- Have version control systems to reduce duplicates in your file storage;
- Regular clean-up of your storage by deleting files you no longer use.
Create Environmental Awareness
As a content creator, you’re in a privileged position where your voice can reach and move a lot of people. And since awareness is the first step to enacting any kind of change, including environmental advocacy in your content can be very impactful.
Content
- Incorporate environmental messages naturally into your content;
- Share behind-the-scenes looks at your sustainable practices;
- Collaborate with environmentally conscious brands and creators;
- Create content that educates about digital environmental impact.
Community Engagement
- Encourage your audience to adopt more sustainable practices;
- Share tips and tricks for reducing digital carbon footprints;
- Design giveaways, initiatives, and challenges around environmental awareness.
Measure and Offset Your Impact
There are a lot of ways to track your carbon footprint nowadays. Have you tried tacking yours? You might be surprised!
With this information, you can be better equipped to make more environmentally-friendly decisions.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
- Use carbon calculators specifically designed for digital activities;
- Track your own or your studio’s energy consumption;
- Monitor your data usage and storage requirements.
Offsetting Strategies
- Invest in verified carbon offset programs;
- Support local environmental initiatives;
- Partner with environmental organizations relevant to your content niche.
Keep an Eye Out for Environmental Innovations
As a digital content creator, you’re always tied to technology. And since technology is always evolving, be on the lookout for new opportunities to be more environmentally friendly.
Stay informed about things like:
- Emerging green technologies in your field;
- New energy-efficient equipment and software;
- Innovative ways to reduce digital waste;
- Developments in sustainable content distribution.
Every Small Thing Matters
You might say: All these tips may only lead to slight improvements!
But imagine if we all did them? Large changes are made through countless small steps, and every step counts.
And besides, you don’t have to do all of them. Perfection is not the goal here; it is just gradual but consistent improvement.
And the best thing about these tips? They take little to no effort! So do what you can—it matters, no matter how little.
Also, remember that being truly environmentally friendly goes far beyond our digital behaviors.
