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Cloud Cleanup

The cloud isn’t as clean as it seems. Every search, stream, and file stored in the cloud increases energy demand and CO₂ emissions. The terms “cloud” and “cloud storage” make it feel intangible, leading many to overlook the environmental impact. In reality, data centers—powering the cloud—consume massive electricity for cooling, lighting, and connectivity. Though out of sight, their environmental footprint is real. Let’s look at your digital habits and see where you can be a more responsible environmental steward! 

Calculate Your Impact

Find out how your online activities contribute to your environmental impact. From emails to cloud storage, see where you can make changes and start reducing your digital carbon footprint today!

Digital Carbon Footprint Calculator on phone and tablet with bottom of devices slightly cropped out of photo
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Tech Tips to Reduce Your Impact

Discover easy-to-follow tips and tricks to declutter your digital life, reduce your carbon footprint, and manage your cloud storage more efficiently. From finding duplicate files to letting go of unnecessary photos, our articles will guide you to a cleaner cloud. 

Find Your Cloud Storage Number

These Quick Tips Will Reveal the True Size of Your Cloud Storage (And It Might Surprise You!)

Picture Perfect

Tips for Streamlining Your Photo Storage and Keeping Only the Best Shots

Delete On Arrival

The 1 Trick You Need to Send Unwanted Emails Straight to the Trash

Stop the Scheduling Ping-Pong

How to Manage Your Calendar Like a Pro. Take control of your day with these smart calendar tips.

Name It or Lose It

Why You Should Fix Untitled Documents Now

Double Trouble

How to Remove Duplicate Files & Reclaim Your Storage

Forget the Duplicates

How Version History Keeps Everything in One Place

More Tips

Check this page regularly as we add additional tips.

Past Events

Cloud Cleanup for Staff

October 10, 2024 @ Noon - 1:00 pm
Dubinsky Student Center, Eighth Floor Alcove

Ever feel overwhelmed by digital clutter? It doesn’t just slow you down—it also has an environmental impact. In this session, led by Monica Hauck-Wealton, a New York State Archives’ records advisory officer serving counties, libraries, and miscellaneous governments, we’ll show you how making small changes in your digital habits can not only simplify your work but also contribute to a more sustainable FIT. Learn how to reduce unnecessary emails and files, and discover the personal and environmental benefits of a cleaner digital workspace.

Cloud Cleanup for Faculty

October 10, 2024 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Dubinsky Student Center, Eighth Floor Alcove

As educators, your work and communications with students and colleagues are crucial, but they don’t have to come at the expense of our planet. In this session, led by Monica Hauck-Wealton, a New York State Archives’ records advisory officer serving counties, libraries, and miscellaneous governments, we’ll explore how you can reduce your digital footprint by strategically managing emails and other digital files. Discover strategies to streamline your digital storage by reducing unnecessary emails and files, ensuring you store things in your cloud efficiently and in an environmentally friendly way.

Monica Hauck-Whealton

Guest Speaker

Monica Hauck-Whealton is the New York State Archives’ Records Advisory Officer serving Counties, Libraries, and Miscellaneous Governments.  She has over fifteen years of experience providing advice and assistance to government employees regarding retention and management of their records. 

Prior to transitioning to a career in records management, Monica earned an MS in Environmental Science and Policy from the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay and a BA in Environmental Studies from Warren Wilson College.  She started her State service career at the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, where she focused on legislative affairs and enforcement of stationary source air quality regulations.