The Planetary Impact of Music: Physical Media vs Digital Downloads

Physical media like CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, and other formats have been largely replaced by streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Spotify, which offer instant access to vast libraries of content. Despite this shift, 2021 saw a surprising slight increase in CD sales, with 40.59 million units sold, a 1.1 percent rise from the previous year's 40.16 million units. This modest resurgence might reflect a niche market of collectors and audiophiles who still value physical formats for their tangible and nostalgic qualities.

However, the overall trend shows a stark decline in physical video media purchases. A decade ago, 6.1 billion pieces of physical video media were sold, but by 2021, this number had plummeted to just 1.2 billion. This dramatic decline demonstrates the dominance of streaming platforms, which have revolutionized how consumers access and consume media. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) reported that music streaming revenue grew by 13.4 percent to $10.1 billion in 2020, indicating the increasing preference for digital consumption. The growth in streaming revenue also offers insight into this consequential shift in the music industry, where digital platforms now play a larger role in distributing content, further diminishing physical media’s role. 

But does this also diminish the effects of current music distribution on planetary resources?

Physical Media and Streaming’s Effect on the Environment

Physical media isn't entirely obsolete—cassette collecting persistsand vinyl records have made a small comeback—but streaming has become the norm. This shift isn't necessarily negative from an environmental perspective, as streaming generally has lower energy consumption and emissions compared to purchasing physical media.

However, the environmental benefits of streaming can vary depending on factors like the time of day, country, and device used for streaming. Although streaming is more eco-friendly than using discs, the convenience and availability of media can negate these benefits due to frequent binge-watching. Streaming various types of media now accounts for three to four percent of the global carbon footprint, according to the sustainability lifestyle blog, Brightly. When streaming a song, devices access electronic files stored on actively cooled servers housed in data centers worldwide. These centers consume substantial energy, and the process of retrieving and transmitting data via Wi-Fi or the internet also requires energy. Additionally, the device itself used for streaming plays a role, as streaming often drains the battery at a higher rate.

Minimizing the Contribution to CO2 Emissions While Consuming Music

One way to reduce CO2 emissions as a listener is to consider limiting the amount of music they stream. Setting a goal to stream less than five hours of music daily, using fewer devices for longer periods, and adjusting streaming resolution can help decrease demand and modify established habits. However, changing these consumption patterns may not resonate with all music enthusiasts. Kyle Devine, a Canadian musicology professor and author, suggests viewing streaming not just as a service but as a consumable good, where each listen effectively downloads the content anew. 

Downloading music instead of streaming each time is a notable but simple change that yields substantial environmental benefits. Downloading music from services also benefits the artist by signaling to platforms like Spotify that their music has a dedicated fanbase. This action can influence algorithms to promote the song more prominently, potentially leading to inclusion on popular playlists. These playlists enhance visibility and support for the artist's work.

How Data Centers Are Taking Steps to Become More Sustainable

Major companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and Google are increasingly using renewable energy to power their data centers, aiming to reduce carbon footprints, stabilize energy costs, and bolster corporate reputations through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). They are also focusing on enhancing energy efficiency within data centers by deploying efficient hardware, optimizing software, and designing energy-efficient devices.

Data centers, known for generating substantial heat, are exploring innovative solutions like heat recovery and reuse. In colder climates, waste heat from data centers is repurposed to warm nearby buildings, reducing reliance on other heating sources, and improving overall energy efficiency. This approach minimizes waste and contributes to sustainable data center operations practices.

The key takeaway is to consider environmentally friendly alternatives in our actions. If the plan is to listen to an album frequently, purchasing the CD or downloading it to a local hard drive is more energy efficient than streaming. As global adoption of renewable energy increases, streaming music could potentially become the most eco-friendly choice. It is also important to responsibly dispose of old CDs and vinyl records by selling or donating them instead of discarding them. Even small efforts to lessen environmental impact matters and substantial changes by governments and corporations are truly critical for overall progress.