Predicted globally every day, about 100 billion messages on WhatsApp and vast photo sharing drive energy use. A single social network sends 66,000 photos per minute, while 60 percent of emails go unopened. In Spain alone, more than 1,000 people daily generate millions of mobile photos. This digital activity consumes energy and releases CO2, creating what some call invisible trash for the planet.
To raise awareness about this invisible trash and its environmental impact, and to turn awareness into action against digital waste, the Ecology and Development Foundation (ECODES), with support from the Accenture Foundation, launched an ambitious project. Its aim is to drastically reduce the invisible garbage produced every day in Spain.
Through the Digital CO2ach app, the well known nonprofit invites everyone to eliminate digital waste from their devices.
The Digital CO2ach tool is designed to guide and assist people in cutting digital clutter. Citizens who download the app will learn more about digital waste and be able to clean up files they no longer need on their mobile devices. This can lead to meaningful energy savings and, in some cases, a reduced CO2 footprint.
To promote the app, a QR code will be placed on waste containers in participating cities. Scanning the code will direct people to the DigitalCO2ach.com information campaign and to download the app.
Digital CO2ach will display data on digital waste that is eliminated collectively by app users, alongside the energy saved as a result.
Municipal councils across the country will play a crucial role by reaching citizens and raising awareness about this issue.
Torrelodones City Council was the first to join the initiative. Committed to sustainable development, it is a pioneer in Spain for promoting Digital CO2ach in the Madrid region and serves as a pilot city for the SDGs 2030 Agenda.
Project presentation
During the project launch at Torrelodones Town Hall, Mayor Alfredo Garcia-Plata Fernandez explained why the city joined first. He said civic action is essential to reduce digital waste, and the town’s strong environmental commitment and interest in promoting sustainable habits drove the decision. The mayor hopes Torrelodones can become a leading example in reducing digital footprints.
Pablo Barrenechea described the invisible footprint as a major challenge, noting that many people are unaware of their digital habits and the trash they generate. Digital CO2ach is a project with potential to scale to any country or region, helping reduce the invisible environmental footprint and drive climate action.
How can you reduce your digital footprint?
ECODES offers practical tips to shrink the invisible footprint:
- Free up space on devices.
- Limit social media use and delete old posts.
- Avoid emails that simply say thanks or that say received.
- Regularly clean mailboxes including inbox, spam, promotions, and deleted items. Avoid overusing CC or Reply All.
- Set spam filters.
- Unsubscribe from newsletters you never open.
Data center energy use is estimated at about 1% of global electricity consumption, with energy use doubling over the past decade and expected to rise further in the next decade, according to Science journal data.
Digital CO2ach contributes to four United Nations SDGs: SDG 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 7 on Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 13 on Climate Action, and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals. Its success hinges on participation from municipalities and citizens alike.
Through Digital CO2ach, invisible garbage becomes visible. The Accenture Foundation aims to raise public awareness about responsible digital use, including removing unneeded digital content to lower energy consumption and, in some cases, CO2 emissions, as stated by Ana Millan, director of the Accenture Foundation.