Have you ever thought about the environmental impact of your Netflix binge-watching sessions? Most of us don’t give it a second thought, but the truth is that streaming services like Netflix are placing a strain on our planet.
A recent study conducted by researchers at Purdue University found that streaming one hour of content on popular platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu produces an average of between 1.6 and 3 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions. To put that into perspective, that’s roughly equivalent to driving a car for 4 to 8 miles.
As more and more people turn to streaming services for their entertainment needs, the environmental footprint of these platforms is only going to grow. This has led to calls for companies to address their carbon emissions and implement more sustainable streaming practices.
Netflix, for example, has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2022. The company has also signed on to the UN’s “Race to Zero” campaign, which aims to drive a transition to a sustainable, resilient, and equitable future.
Ultimately, the issue of carbon emissions from streaming services is just one small piece of the larger puzzle of digital sustainability. As consumers, we need to be mindful of the environmental impact of our technology use and advocate for companies to prioritize sustainability in their business practices. After all, the future of our planet depends on it.
