We create and store more digital data than ever before. Those un-read emails, stored files, mobile apps, and subscription accounts all pile up.

The vast majority of these are never used  three months after they are first downloaded; forgotten, languishing, but still consuming pollution-emitting resources.

The internet is great. It’s our go-to for news, recipes, shopping, and dog videos.

But it is also responsible for over 900 millions tons of CO2 emissions each year. Woof.

99% of all data was created within the last 10 years.

Realistically, we aren’t going to switch it off. Its claws are dug firmly into both our personal and professional lives, but there is a way to reduce the impact our digital activities have on the planet.

Digital Cleanup Day

Digital Cleanup Day 2025 is a global initiative to help individuals and businesses declutter their digital lives, reduce e-waste, and improve their on-line security.

A bloated inbox, unused apps, and outdated files don’t just slow down your devices; they also contribute to digital pollution, increasing your carbon footprint.

By taking time to clean up our digital spaces, we can enhance our productivity, protect our personal data, and make a positive impact on the environment. It’s time to hit delete, organise, and refresh!

It’s not about withdrawing from anything that truly brings interest, learning or joy, but when you think about it, really think about it, are all of those subscriptions hitting the mark?

Do you really need all of the apps on your phone- even the ones that you haven’t opened since 2023? And all those videos of fireworks?! C’mon.

Consider this, if all of our digital clutter suddenly occupied a physical space, not only would we all be classified as severe hoarders, but we’d be buried under our own digital pollution.

Friends and family members would hold an intervention.

Be honest, it’s time to sort this out.

A bloated inbox, unused apps, and outdated files don’t just slow down your devices; they also contribute to digital pollution, increasing your carbon footprint.

By taking time to clean up our digital spaces, we can enhance our productivity, protect our personal data, and make a positive impact on the environment.

It’s time to hit delete; organise, and refresh!

For the past five years Let’s Do It, World have organised a global initiative to help individuals and businesses declutter their digital lives, reduce e-waste, and improve cybersecurity.

Why get rid of digital clutter?

Firstly, the environment – it’s the big thing outside most of your windows and it needs your support.

Secondly, by removing data from your devices, you can prolong their lifespans and restore the speed they had before you clogged them up with memes and those mobile games that you don’t play.

Thirdly, reducing data storage can also lower security risks, reduce server costs and energy use. It can also have a very positive impact on your mental well-being.

On 15th March 2025 join the 1,184,747 people who have already committed to reducing their digital pollution.

So far, more than 3,625 tons of annual CO2 production has been prevented, and this year is set to be the most impactful yet.

Not convinced? Here are some further horrifying internet facts:

• 90% of all data is never accessed 3 months after it is stored.
• BitCoin mining uses more energy than the entire nation of New Zealand.
• A single email emits, on average, 4g of CO2. That’s the same as running a light bulb for 6 minutes. With 320 billion emails sent every day, it really adds up.

Here’s how to do your  bit:

• Declutter your inbox: Delete or archive old emails. Delete your junk mail folder. Unsubscribe from anything unnecessary. Delete emails you don’t want as soon as you see them.
• Instead of procrastinating on Instagram, delete the dust-covered apps on your mobile devices that you never use.
• Take the time to delete unwanted files from your computers or cloud storage.
• Delete the photos you took ‘for safety’ before striking the perfect pose.
• Remove unwanted videos from all devices. Videos take up a lot of space and have a bigger carbon footprint.
• Go through your cloud storage and have a good declutter. It’s actually a very cathartic experience!

Your digital footprint is a big contributor to your overall carbon footprint but you can lighten the load. 15th March is the perfect time for a spring cleanup.

Save money, simplify your digital life, improve your mental health, and help protect our precious planet.

Start your digital cleanup today. You won’t regret it.

Find out more about Digital Cleanup Day here.