It’s difficult not to address technology when talking about making a difference. The control of our data or the environmental footprint of our online activity are some of our big challenges in the coming years, as the internet becomes increasingly tentacled and imposing.
Every year, millions and millions of new users join the “Network” and thereby increase the amounts of data exchanged between users. And to make matters worse, long-time surfers only increase their data consumption over time by connecting more and more facets of their lives (romantic, sports, professional, etc.) using increasingly numerous tools (computers, then phones, tablets, watches, and soon household objects).
Why deprive ourselves since the internet is almost free! Facebook, Google, and other highly advanced services are offered to us without financial compensation. I read somewhere that “when it’s free, you’re the product…” and that’s precisely what interests me today! Why is it free? How can it be free and at the same time, the biggest web companies are becoming the biggest companies in the world?
Fortunately for us, there are quite a few initiatives aimed at reversing this trend, and I wanted to talk to you about a very simple practice that concerns us all: online searching! Instead of generating dozens of euros in advertising revenue per year without wanting or controlling it, some people have thought that we could not only make the web more respectful of our data (by not selling it to just anyone) but also set up a system of carbon offsetting and/or donation to associations to balance out our online activity.
There are several eco-friendly search engines out there. The ones I know about are Lilo (documentation is in French) and Ecosia. If you want to use them, all you have to do is install an extension on your browser (Lilo or Ecosia depending on your preferences) and change the address of your default search engine, and you’re done. In the future, you can participate in reforestation and/or support associations that defend causes that matter to you. You are now an actor in a better world just by surfing the internet. So simple that it had to be thought of!
Continue reading to discover environmentally conscious actions that can make a positive impact on our world.
Continue reading to discover environmentally conscious actions that can make a positive impact on our world.
In today’s digital era, it’s important to consider the ecological and ethical implications of our messaging choices. Surprisingly, the internet, if considered a country, would rank as the third-largest consumer