The Environmental Impact of AI: What You Should Know

From chatbots that provide instant support on websites to recommendation systems that suggest music or movies tailored to our tastes, AI is transforming how we interact with technology.

Facial recognition in security systems, personalized advertising, and even smart home devices are just a few examples of how AI has permeated various sectors of our lives, making tasks easier and more efficient.

These advancements are not just conveniences; they represent a significant shift in how we use data to enhance decision-making and improve productivity. However, this remarkable progress comes with a significant environmental cost.

It's crucial to understand how the vast energy consumption associated with AI development and usage contributes to our carbon footprint. While AI continues to advance and offer increasingly valuable benefits, the sustainability of AI technology must be considered.

"When we think about the environmental impact of generative AI, it is not just the electricity you consume when you plug the computer in. There are much broader consequences that go out to a system level and persist based on actions that we take," says Elsa A. Olivetti, professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at MIT. (1)

For example, training AI systems requires processing millions of data points, utilizing powerful graphics processing units, GPUs that consume an exorbitant amount of energy. It's projected that by the year 2028, AI could use as much electricity annually as 22% of all U.S. households. (2)

Data centers are facilities that house powerful servers and network equipment, which are the backbone of AI systems. They're locations that store the enormous amounts of data needed to develop and deploy AI technology. (3)

Not only do these centers require extensive energy usage to run, but they also consume additional energy used to keep them cool. The servers generate heat because they're operating continuously (think your server room at work or even your laptop or phone when it's been on for a long period of time), which requires cooling systems that demand even more energy, adding further environmental impact.

Despite a growing emphasis on sustainable business practices and consumer demand for green energy, many data centers are powered by fossil fuels, which exacerbates carbon emissions. (4)

The potential harms of AI extend further into other aspects of the environment.

As we've already acknowledged, the cooling systems required at data centers use incredible amounts of energy; however, many of them rely on massive amounts of water as well.

It has been suggested that an average data center uses 300,000 gallons of water a day to keep cool. (5) This amount is certainly concerning for local resources, especially in water-scarce areas.

E-waste is another reality of AI. A rapidly changing technology landscape and finite training requirements for AI models mean that servers are likely to end up with short life spans. Outdated or obsolete servers are discarded, and with them, the dangerous compounds they can contain, such as lead and mercury. (6)

Accumulation of this hazardous e-waste and the challenges related to its safe disposal are yet another environmental issue associated with AI.

A final little-known fact about the production of AI hardware is that it requires rare earth minerals. (7) The mining of these minerals can have devastating impacts.

Habitat destruction, soil and water contamination, and increased carbon emissions are results of extracting the resources needed for the microchips that power AI.

The environmental concerns are clear, but to be fair, AI has some environmental answers, too.

AI is playing a significant role in addressing some of the most pressing climate and energy challenges of our time. It contributes to optimizing energy grids, enhancing recycling processes, and monitoring climate change more effectively.

These advancements can lead to increased efficiency and sustainability across many industries, municipalities, and business sectors. However, it is crucial to focus on the responsible use of AI technology.

The key lies in scaling AI solutions slowly and sustainably rather than adopting them indiscriminately. Balancing innovation with environmental considerations will ensure the benefits of AI without compromising future resources and our planet's welfare.

If you're an avid tech user, as so many of us certainly are, there are ways to help make your AI use and overall data consumption a little more environmentally friendly.

Curtail wasteful tech with these tips:

1. Use AI tools thoughtfully. Don't overload servers with unnecessary queries.
2. Support companies and platforms committed to green tech innovations.
3. Reduce your own tech footprint by opting for energy-efficient devices.
4. Recycle your old electronics, and be mindful of your digital usage.
5. Avoid unnecessary data collection and storage.
6. Voice your concerns to policymakers about the need for sustainable AI technology.

Be more mindful of your technology habits and help make an impact, even when using AI.

Navigating these major AI developments may seem daunting, but it's important to remember that even small changes in our everyday lives can contribute significantly to reducing global consumption and overall environmental impact.

Each decision we make, from the products we purchase to how we use energy, can create a positive effect in our communities and beyond!

Know that even in a high-tech world, low-tech choices can have significant environmental benefits. Making lifestyle adjustments like reducing energy consumption and opting for sustainable products can lead to profound changes in the depletion of our natural resources.

One simple yet impactful change is to switch to an eco-friendly toilet paper, like ecoHiny. This choice not only helps reduce deforestation by promoting the use of the renewable resource and highly sustainable substance, bamboo, it also supports green production and shipping methods that prioritize the health of our planet.

Add to that fully biodegradable and 100% recyclable packaging, zero toxic chemicals, and no plastics whatsoever, and you're opting for the best sustainable toilet paper solution made with the environment in mind.

Whether it's through reducing our plastic use, conserving energy, or choosing sustainable (ecoHiny!) products, every little bit counts! Together, we have the power to create a healthier planet for ourselves and future generations.

At ecoHiny, we hope you'll make the commitment to be conscious consumers. Prioritize sustainability in every aspect of your life, including your well-informed and responsible use of AI.

When we choose sustainable alternatives, we not only reduce our own carbon footprint but also inspire those around us to consider how they, too, can make a difference.

Ultimately, the path toward a more sustainable future is paved by the cumulative effect of our individual actions. If we all do our part, making conscious decisions in our daily lives, we can foster positive results on a global scale.

When it comes to your toilet paper, we've got you. Make the choice that means a more sustainable future. Choose bamboo and choose to be part of an important move toward sustainability.