What goal should I set?
When you start, aim for a level slightly above your current habits. A goal that is too high is easy to give up on, and one that is too low will not motivate you.
If you are not sure where to begin, first estimate your current yearly digital carbon with the carbon calculator. Setting a goal of 10-20% of that result is a realistic starting point. For example, if your estimate is 50 kg CO₂ a year, you could aim for 5-10 kg.
To see which actions could get you there, check the estimated savings for each action in the guides. Lowering streaming quality (18.3 kg a year) and extending your device replacement cycle (35.2 kg a year) are among the most effective.
How should I log my activity?
Logging daily is ideal, but looking back and logging once or twice a week works well too. Consistency matters more than perfect records.
Only add an activity when you really did it. For example, log email clean-up if you unsubscribed from newsletters, or audio streaming if you listened to music offline over a few days. Rather than logging the same item many times a day, we recommend summing it up weekly.
If your progress stalls, look for guides you have not tried yet. Adding just one small habit increases your cumulative savings.
How to keep reaching your goal
Changing too many digital habits at once is hard to sustain. Research suggests forming a habit takes about 66 days on average, and the first few weeks are the hardest. So it works best to focus on one habit at a time.
- Start with the easiest action. A streaming quality setting only has to be changed once and then stays that way.
- Attach a new action to an existing habit, for example "unsubscribe from one unwanted newsletter whenever I open my email".
- Check your progress weekly and acknowledge small wins. Reaching just 10% of your goal is a meaningful change.
- Retake the digital habit quiz every month to see how you have changed.
Frequently asked questions
- Q. What if my recorded data disappears?
- This tool uses your browser's local storage. Clearing the browser cache, using a private window or opening the page on another device means your data will not appear or will be reset. We recommend keeping a separate note of important records.
- Q. How are the savings factors calculated?
- The factors used here are simple educational values described on the methodology page. Actual savings may differ depending on your devices, internet connection and regional electricity mix.
- Q. Can I change my goal later?
- Yes, at any time. If you set it too high or too low at first, adjust it to fit your situation. Continuously improving your habits matters more than hitting the number.
