Zero Waste Week 2025: Going Beyond the Bin with a Digital Declutter

As we mark the end of Zero Waste Week 2025, over at Change Agents we embraced a slightly different angle on the waste conversation. While traditional efforts often focus on reducing physical waste—think single-use plastics, food waste, and recycling—we're turned our attention to something a little less visible but increasingly important: digital waste.

Digital Waste

Why Digital Waste Matters

You may be wondering why digital waste matters... well in a world increasingly powered by cloud computing and remote work, the energy needed to store, transfer, and maintain our digital files is significant. Every unnecessary email saved, duplicate file stored, or unused app lingering on a server contributes to the carbon footprint of our digital lives.

It may feel intangible, but data lives on physical servers in data centers around the globe. These centers require massive amounts of electricity, much of which still comes from fossil fuels. So, a digital declutter isn’t just about improving productivity or saving storage space—it’s also an environmental act.

Our Pledge: Declutter Digitally

As a primarily remote organisation, Change Agents relies heavily on cloud-based tools and digital communications. That’s why this year, for Zero Waste Week, we pledged to:

• Remove unnecessary files

• Unsubscribe from old email lists and delete archived spam

• Organise shared drives to reduce duplication

• Encourage team members to clean up their digital desktops

• Review digital tools and deactivate unused accounts

  
  

This approach aligns with our broader sustainability goals and recognises that waste comes in many forms.

Remember Waste at Home Still Matters

While our organisational pledge focuses on digital waste, it's also important to not ignore the physical side of waste. Zero Waste Week is a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on these issues, and for brainstorming solutions!

So, What Can You Do?

If you’re looking for ways to get involved, here are a few ideas to get started:

💻 Digital Actions

• Delete unused files, emails, and apps

• Clean up your cloud storage

• Turn off auto-backups you don’t need

• Reassess digital subscriptions

  
  

🏡 Physical Waste Reduction

• Do a waste audit at home to see where improvements can be made

• Try a low/zero-waste shopping trip (maybe you have access to a refill store or you could buy loose produce)

• Repurpose or donate unused items (just make sure they're clean if donating to a charity shop)

• Learn one new repair skill (many of our parents/grandparents/friends have repair skills - go learn from them)

  
  

Make Your Pledge

We’d love to hear how you marked Zero Waste Week. Whether it’s a big household clear-out or a 30-minute inbox cleanup, every action adds up.

Let us know what you’re pledging this week—and let’s keep the momentum going long after the week ends.