If the internet were a country, it would rank among the top global consumers of electricity. A 2024 study published in Nature Communications found that data centers and transmission networks alone account for between 1% and 1.3% of the world’s electricity use. That’s a staggering amount of energy powering infrastructure most of us never even see.

Earth Day reminds us that sustainability goes beyond recycling or ditching plastic—it’s also about how we use and manage technology.

Every email sent, every file stored, every server humming along behind the scenes contributes to your digital carbon footprint. On their own, these actions seem small. But together, they add up.

The good news? You don’t need a total tech overhaul to make a meaningful impact. With a few intentional changes, you can cut digital waste and energy use—without sacrificing productivity or security.

Optimizing IT for Energy Efficiency—Without Compromising Security

Technology keeps business moving. But just like any engine, it uses fuel—more than you might expect. A smarter approach to IT can reduce energy waste, lower costs, and keep your systems secure and sustainable.

Use Power Settings, but Check with IT First

Leaving computers on full blast 24/7 is like idling your car in the driveway all night—it wastes energy for no reason. But powering down systems too aggressively can lead to missed security patches and maintenance windows.

Instead of turning off machines entirely, talk to your IT team about enabling low-power states that still allow for scheduled updates. Features like sleep mode or hibernation (configured correctly) can reduce energy use while ensuring systems stay up to date and secure.

Know When to Let Equipment Rest—But Use Caution

Not every device needs to stay powered on 24/7. Printers, especially, are infamous for wasting energy. Setting them to power down during off-hours sounds like a win—but be careful. Many printers aren’t designed to wake up intelligently, which can cause issues like duplicate print jobs or failed jobs that eat up more resources later.

Before making changes to power schedules, check in with IT. They’ll help make sure your energy-saving tweaks don’t create new headaches.

Upgrade to Efficient, High-Quality Hardware

Still running decade-old desktops or budget laptops? Old, inefficient hardware can be a serious power drain—and a productivity killer.

Look for ENERGY STAR-certified devices and consider investing in solid-state drives (SSDs) over traditional spinning drives. And more importantly: Buy smart from the start. A $400 laptop that dies after two years has a far greater environmental impact than a $1,200 machine that runs efficiently for five or more years. High-quality gear pays off in energy savings, performance, and longevity.

Digital Decluttering = Energy Savings

Just because digital storage seems infinite doesn’t mean it’s free. All that data lives on servers that require energy to operate, cool, and maintain.

Reduce your digital carbon footprint by:

• Deleting redundant or outdated files and backups
• Compressing large files
• Archiving inactive data and optimizing databases

These small housekeeping habits reduce energy use and improve performance.

Rethink E-Waste—And Do It Right

E-waste is a growing global issue. Many devices contain toxic materials and shouldn’t be thrown in the trash, but simply donating old tech isn’t always the answer either.

Skip the “Garbage Giveaways”

Donating heavily outdated devices may feel like the right move, but it often shifts the burden to nonprofits who lack the resources to fix, secure, or dispose of them properly. Many of these devices end up being underpowered, unpatched, and more of a liability than a solution.

That said, moderately used hardware (3–5 years old) can sometimes be refurbished and repurposed—especially if it still meets modern security standards. If you’re unsure, check with certified refurbishing programs to confirm what’s useful and what isn’t.

Recycle Responsibly

Don’t dump it—recycle it. In Phoenix and Central Oregon, several local facilities and retailers accept electronics for certified e-waste recycling. Programs like e-Stewards or R2-certified recyclers ensure responsible disposal.

GreenLoop clients also benefit from our value-added e-waste recycling services. We’ll help make sure old hardware is properly recycled and kept out of landfills.

Support Sustainable Tech from the Start

Sustainability starts long before your device hits the desk. Choose vendors and manufacturers that commit to green practices—from energy-efficient designs to responsible materials sourcing and recycling initiatives. Your purchasing power sends a signal that sustainability matters.

A Smarter Future Starts with Smart Choices

Every piece of technology has an environmental impact—but we get to choose whether that impact is positive or negative. On Earth Day and beyond, let’s be intentional about the tech we use, how we manage it, and what we do when it’s time to upgrade.

Because reducing your digital footprint isn’t about sacrificing performance—it’s about building smarter, more efficient systems that work better for everyone, including the planet.