Practical skills for making your online habits greener

Ever thought about the carbon footprint of your online life? From late-night video streaming to endless cloud storage, our digital habits have a hidden environmental cost. But there is something you can do about it and the Library’s brand-new Being digital pathway, Digital Sustainability, will help you understand those impacts and take action.

This short, interactive pathway is packed with practical tips, thought-provoking ideas, and even a wellbeing boost. You’ll explore three quick activities:

• Greener Online Study – Practical tips for reducing your carbon footprint while studying or working online.
• Sustainability of Generative AI – A closer look at the environmental costs of AI tools, and how to use them responsibly.
• Coping with Climate Anxiety – Understanding climate anxiety and how your academic skills can help you manage it.

Why does it matter? Digital literacy isn’t just about knowing which buttons to click - it’s about using technology critically, responsibly, and effectively. Those skills are not only vital for tackling big issues like climate change, but also highly valued by employers.

Being digital is free to use and open to students, staff, and the public. Written by OU librarians with expertise in information and knowledge management, it offers dozens of short, easy-to-follow activities on topics like managing your digital identity, knowing what to trust online, and making the most of online networks. 

So, if you want to strengthen your skills, boost your employability, and make your online habits a little greener, dive into the Digital Sustainability pathway today.