Mindful Technology Consumption for Sustainable Growth
Growing With AI is committed to responsible technology use that honors both human needs and environmental impact. We recognize that AI, while powerful, requires significant energy, water, and computational resources to operate.
Our approach to responsible AI usage includes:
- Intentional Prompting: We craft efficient, comprehensive prompts that minimize unnecessary processing
- Resource Awareness: We stay informed about the environmental impact of AI usage
- Efficiency First: We apply the “least powerful tool” principle in all our work
- Continuous Learning: We actively research and implement best practices for sustainable AI use
Understanding Environmental Impact: Our Best Estimates
Measuring the exact environmental impact of AI usage is challenging, as it varies by platform, data center location, query complexity, and other factors. However, we can use available research data to calculate informed (but crude) estimates. These figures are based on:
- Research estimates of 0.3-3 watt-hours per AI exchange
- Water usage of approximately 0.3-0.5 liters per kWh
- Carbon emissions of 0.5 kg CO2 per kWh (U.S. average)
- Typical interaction patterns observed in our tools
On the Lower End: Precision Tools
Our smallest precision tools (like single-session guidance exercises) typically involve 40-60 exchanges and might use:
- Energy: 50-75 watt-hours
- Like charging your smartphone 4-6 times
- Or using your laptop for about 1 hour
- Water: 17-25 liters
- About 2-3 toilet flushes
- Or a 2-minute shower
- Carbon: 0.025-0.038 kg CO2
- Like driving about 300 feet
- Or sending 250-380 emails
On the Higher End: Comprehensive Constellation Packages
Our most comprehensive constellation packages (with 5-6 complete tools designed to be completed over 3-4 weeks, involving up to 300 exchanges each) might use:
- Energy: 1,500-2,250 watt-hours
- Like running a microwave for 1.5-2 hours
- Or watching Netflix for 15-22 hours
- Similar to keeping your laptop running for 7-11 hours
- Water: 500-750 liters
- Equivalent to 4-5 loads of laundry
- Or taking about 5-7 ten-minute showers
- What one person typically uses in 1-2 days
- Carbon: 0.75-1.13 kg CO2
- Like driving 2-3 miles in an average car
- Or making 75-113 cups of coffee
- About 1/20th of the average American’s daily carbon footprint
We believe that understanding these impacts helps us all make more conscious choices about when and how we use AI technology. Just as we consider our water and electricity usage, we encourage mindful consumption of AI resources. The environmental cost of thoughtful personal growth through AI is modest—comparable to everyday activities like doing a load of laundry or watching a movie—especially when weighed against the potential for lasting positive change in your life.