When we think of pollution, most of us picture plastic bottles, car exhaust, or deforestation. But have you ever considered that your morning Instagram scroll, a quick Google search, or daily emails also contribute to climate change?
The answer might surprise you, but it’s clear: yes. This is the focus of Digital Awareness Week (DAW), launching for the first time from September 22–28, 2025, as a joint initiative by Neo Interactive and Carbon.Crane.
229 kg of CO₂ – the annual online footprint per person
Here’s a shocking fact: the average internet user’s yearly digital carbon footprint is 229 kilograms (about 505 lbs) of CO₂. That’s nearly half of the 501 kg per person limit recommended to keep global warming in check. This “digital pollution” often goes unnoticed but is very real and impactful.
As our planet heats up, troubling trends also grow online. For example, NordPass reports that “123456” remains the most common password worldwide—highlighting that not only environmental but also cybersecurity awareness needs a boost.
Scrolling? You’re polluting too—but there’s a better way
One of Digital Awareness Week’s key messages is that using the internet has environmental costs—but that doesn’t mean we should give up our digital lives. Instead, it’s about becoming more mindful.
During the campaign:
- people are encouraged to cut back on social media use,
- interactive carbon footprint tools help you understand your own online impact,
- and companies can identify ways to reduce their load through website audits and carbon measurements.
To put this into perspective: according to The Ecologist, digital marketing alone leaves a bigger carbon footprint than all the world’s airplanes combined.
Real news or AI? It’s getting harder to tell
Another vital focus of the campaign is cybersecurity and trustworthy news consumption. In the age of AI, it’s not always easy to tell if what we see—photos, videos, or articles—is real. Fake news that plays on emotions spreads faster and reaches more people, especially on social media.
That’s why digital mindfulness matters—not just how much we use technology, but how we use it.
Hand in hand for a more sustainable online world
The two organizations behind the campaign, Carbon.Crane and Neo Interactive, lead the way in digital sustainability in Hungary. Carbon.Crane offers unique software to help companies measure their digital footprint, while Neo Interactive has been shaping the local digital landscape for over 20 years.
Their shared vision is a digital ecosystem that’s efficient, sustainable, and safe for every user.
Comedian Gergely Litkai joins the mission
The campaign’s host is Gergely Litkai, owner of Dumaszínház and a longtime environmental advocate. He reminds us that digital pollution is invisible but part of all our lives—and every small choice counts. As Katinka Kepes, head of Neo Interactive, puts it:
“This campaign is both education and a call to action because we believe the digital future can only be sustainable and secure if we’re mindful.”
What can you do? Start paying attention today!
No need for drastic changes. Just a few minutes less screen time, choosing stronger passwords, and checking your news sources can kickstart a positive shift. If you’re a business owner or freelancer, consider how to optimize your website and cut unnecessary data traffic.
Digital Awareness Week helps us not only use the digital world but become responsible participants—while protecting the environment and each other.
A week that leaves a mark and helps shrink your footprint
The initiative’s closing event will be on October 7 at the Internet Hungary conference, where organizers will share campaign insights, case studies, and inspiring examples.
If you’re curious about your own digital footprint, you can already explore online tools to measure your carbon impact—you might be surprised by the results!
