All our online activities, whether on a computer or mobile phone, leave invisible traces, known as digital waste. This waste is generated by the creation, sharing, duplication and storage of data. Currently, most of our data is stored in the cloud. These services require physical storage locations in the form of huge data centres.
To ensure that our data is not lost, cloud servers must be powered day and night. This results in enormous electricity consumption. Since electricity is still largely generated from fossil fuels such as natural gas, coal or oil, this consumption produces a worrying amount of CO₂ emissions: 4 per cent of all global emissions come from digital waste. Of these, more than 75 per cent (up to 47 million tonnes) can be attributed to private individuals.
If we want to protect our planet, we must take action.
Digital Cleanup Day gives us the opportunity to tackle the problem of digital waste together.
On the next International Digital Cleanup Day, which will take place on Saturday 21 March 2026, we can join this movement!
You can consult a guide compiled by BiblioSuisse and find more information about the environmental impact of digital technology at the following addresses: