Mechelen Participates in the 5th Annual Digital Cleanup Day

Mechelen (Eurotoday) – Digital Cleanup Day, now in its 5th year, engages 175 countries. In Mechelen, Sabe De Graef encourages people to declutter emails, apps, and files to improve efficiency, lower IT costs, and reduce environmental impact.

Digital Cleanup Day is taking place for the fifth consecutive year, with participation from 175 countries. In Mechelen, city leader Sabe De Graef is urging residents to clean up their computers and phones. 

She explained that every file stored on a server, including those in the cloud, requires energy to maintain. The more data we store, the harder data centres have to work, consuming large amounts of electricity and contributing to pollution. While digital waste is invisible, it significantly impacts efficiency and environmental sustainability.

How is Mechelen addressing digital clutter in its 5th year of cleanup?

Last week, De Graef shared useful tips for digital decluttering. She advised regularly clearing out emails, unsubscribing from unnecessary email lists, deleting unused apps, and organising or removing outdated files. Keeping important documents safe while eliminating redundant copies is also recommended.

She highlighted that these actions not only improve workflow but also free up space on digital devices. By making small adjustments in daily computer use, Mechelen residents can enhance their productivity while also supporting a greener environment. Digital Cleanup Day serves as a reminder that blank”>digital cleaning isn’t just about organisation—it’s also about taking care of the planet.

“Overflowing mailboxes, unused apps, and outdated files may seem harmless, but they lead to wasted time, higher IT costs, and an unnecessary burden on the environment.”

Sabe De Graef

According to De Graef, excess digital clutter slows down computers, makes it difficult to find essential files, and reduces productivity. By removing unnecessary files and apps, people can speed up their devices and enhance usability.

She also pointed out that storing large amounts of digital data consumes significant energy, impacting the environment. Every email, file, and app relies on massive servers that operate continuously, using large amounts of electricity for cooling and data processing. The more data stored, the more energy consumed, leading to increased pollution. By deleting unnecessary emails, files, and apps, individuals can actively contribute to environmental conservation.