The Growing Environmental Footprint of Electronic Communication
Electronic communication has a vast and growing environmental footprint. By 2028, North America is estimated to have over 500 million internet users, up from 400 million in 2020.
Total annual U.S. electricity consumption hit a record high in 2024, and that ceiling could rise if data centers continue expanding at their current pace. Some projections expect electricity consumption at U.S. data centers to more than double by 2030.
Since data centers are often geographically concentrated, they can significantly strain the power grids. In 2023, data centers consumed about 26% of the total electricity supply in Virginia and significant shares of the supply in North Dakota (15%), Nebraska (12%), Iowa (11%) and Oregon (11%).
This level of growth can have a significant impact on data center carbon dioxide emissions as well as water resources and electricity costs for consumers.
The U.S. and Canada annually generate 7.9 million metric tons (Mt) of electronic waste or 21 kilograms (kg) per capita. Of that 7.9 Mt, the U.S. generates 7.2 Mt and Canada generates 0.7 Mt. 52% of e-waste in North America is recycled, but globally it is closer to 22%.
Most e-waste is managed outside formal collection and recycling schemes. This has a direct and severe impact on the environment and people's health.
Misleading Environmental Claims Often Fall Short of Standards
Environmental claims about products and services are not just marketing—they’re subject to strict rules. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission requires that claims be truthful, specific, and supported by competent, reliable scientific evidence. Broad, unqualified statements like “environmentally friendly” or “green” are considered deceptive because they can mislead consumers into thinking a product has far-reaching or complete environmental benefits. Similarly, ISO 14021 standards emphasize that self-declared environmental claims must be accurate, relevant to the specific product or service, verifiable, and clearly indicate whether the claim applies to the whole product, a component, or packaging. Using symbols like leaves, trees, or the globe is only acceptable if there’s a direct, verifiable link to the environmental benefit claimed.
Learn how to spot credible environmental claims and avoid greenwashing at The FTC Green Guides and ISO14021 Environmental Labels & Declarations.