Streaming for a Better Planet: The Rise of Green Streaming in the Entertainment Industry
We recycle, shop vintage, compost, bike, use public transportation…we do whatever we can to minimize our global carbon footprint. But did you know that your green practices can extend even further?
As the world becomes increasingly conscious of the impact our actions have on the environment, the entertainment industry is following suit by practicing more green streaming.
Green streaming refers to the practice of using environmentally friendly methods to deliver multimedia content like TV shows and films to viewers over the internet. This includes using renewable energy sources to power data centers and servers and reducing carbon emissions from shipping. Green streaming initiatives can also involve efforts to make the production and distribution of content more sustainable. Such as using energy-efficient equipment, reducing waste, and promoting eco-friendly practices on set.
Streaming media is calculated to contribute a surprising 1% of global greenhouse gases. Why? Because most regions of the world obtain their electricity from fossil fuels to power their data centers, networks, and devices. The goal of green streaming is to reduce the environmental impact of the growing entertainment industry.
People are consuming content more than ever before, it spiked especially during the infamous COVID-19 Pandemic. This also means that energy consumption is increasing along with carbon emissions. The consumption of content isn’t going anywhere anytime soon…I mean how can it be when shows like “White Lotus” exist? So how can we start practicing green streaming?
We can start practicing green streaming by:
- Reducing energy consumption: use power-saving modes, lowering screen brightness, and turn off your devices when not in use.
- Reduce/moderate device usage: try to reduce the amount of time you spend streaming content. For example – replace watching something right before with reading a book, it will help with reducing carbon emissions and be better for your sleep since screen brightness makes it difficult for your brain to power down.
- Use fewer devices at once: maybe there’s no need to use your iPad AND your phone while watching a film. We know multitasking is a thing, but maybe just enjoy that movie 😉…Instagram and Tiktok can wait.
- Try to keep your device for as long as possible before getting a new one.
- Stream on a smaller device: a laptop or phone emits significantly less CO2 equivalent than streaming on a TV does.
- Educating others: share the above 5 points with your friends and family!
Overall, it’s obvious that green streaming will play an important role in shaping the future of the entertainment industry, and that it is likely to gain momentum as more concerns about the environment continue to grow. We all inhabit the same planet no matter if we are on the production side of content or the viewer. We need to continue taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint.
So…are you ready to take your streaming and entertainment habits to the next level of sustainability?
