On March 25, as part of the Digital Week 2025 campaign, EPALE Latvia in cooperation with the Latvia State Radio and Television Centre (LVRTC) held a webinar "Digital waste - how do we stop it?".

The educational and inspiring webinar was moderated by LVRTC Corporate Communications Manager Vineta Sprugaine. In a conversation with the webinar participants, the expert discussed the sustainability of the digital environment, people's habits in the digital environment and their impact on the environment. Vineta Sprugaine particularly highlighted that digital waste is becoming an increasing challenge - not only in terms of data storage capacity, but also in terms of environmental sustainability.

The webinar also discussed practical solutions to manage our digital data more efficiently - from deleting files and organizing documents in a targeted way, to being critical of email traffic and unnecessary apps. It was highlighted that reducing digital pollution not only frees up space on our devices, but also reduces the CO2 emissions from server maintenance and data storage.

Special attention was also focused on our clicking habits - often we unthinkingly generate new files, forward emails, and save information that we never use again. The lecturer encouraged participants to focus on digital cleanliness, i.e. the conscious management of information and responsible data management. It was stressed that not only the physical environment needs to be cleaned, but also the digital environment requires regular cleaning. "Clean files, reviewed emails and an organized folder structure can be just as important as an organized workplace", pointed out Vineta Sprugaine.

Discussions also covered digital sustainability principles at enterprise level and ways to change organizations’ information management strategies to reduce digital waste.

The webinar specifically focused on:

• Definition and impact of digital waste - an expert explained what digital waste is and the negative impact it has on the planet.

• Practical tips - participants received practical advice on how to reduce digital waste in their daily lives.

• Sustainable practices - methods to promote sustainable digital practices at both individual and organizational level were explored.

Webinar "Digital waste - how do we stop it?" attracted more than 90 participants from all over Latvia. Given the public interest in a sustainable digital future and the need to promote this initiative, EPALE offers to watch the webinar recording at a time and pace to suit everyone. The webinar recording (in Latvian) is available HERE.

About Digital Week 2025

Latvian Information and Communication Technology Association (LIKTA) together with its partners for the already 16th time in Latvia was implemened "Digital Week" activities. The educational campaign took place across Latvia from 24 to 28 March, inviting citizens and entrepreneurs to learn and develop new digital skills. Digital Week in Latvia is organised as part of ALL Digital Weeks 2025.

More information: www.eprasmes.lv.

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