The issues about climate change are growing continually. Lots of people are getting aware of this issue. That's why some people are now checking the background of companies first before doing business with them. For example, there are people who avoid availing products or services from brands that are not concerned about the environment -- the ones that operate without environmental ethics. 

The ethical shopping movement is not only limited to food and clothing. It also covers utilities such as waste disposal, water, or electricity.

Moreover, some people are also checking if their Internet service provider is environment-friendly. If you are interested in ethical ISPs as well, I will give you a list. 

In this article, we will talk about the most eco-friendly Internet service providers. 

How to Spot an Eco-Friendly Internet Service Provider

How can you tell that the Internet service provider is environmentally friendly? There are many ways to determine if the ISP is operating with environmental ethics. But usually, you can start by checking if they are showing solicitude to the environment. 

You can say that the ISP is concerned with the environment if they are doing the following: 

• They are supporting corporate-wide environmental measures.
• Their operations are using sustainable materials whenever it's possible. 
• The employees are participating in events of environmental groups to preserve the environment. 
• They are making use of renewable energy sources. 

Apart from that, you can also check the infrastructure of the Internet service provider. Examine if their facility is not violating any environmental code of ethics. 

Environment-Friendly Types of Internet Connection 

There are standard types of Internet, and they are DSL, cable, satellite, and fibre. Fibre Internet is the latest, but its availability is limited. So far, only a few people have access to this type of Internet connection. 

The deals and types of Internet connection are different from each other. Meaning, not all of them are environment friendly. To give you an idea, here's a breakdown of each type of Internet connection. 

• Satellite - This type of Internet connection is the one that people in remote places often use. Though helpful, satellites are not environment friendly. That's because the rockets used for launching a satellite into space are damaging the ozone layer. Also, the process of setting up a satellite into space leaves a lot of unrecoverable debris. 
• DSL - DSL or digital subscriber line is a type of Internet connection that uses wires that are already in place. ISPs are not using additional wires to connect their subscribers. Though the process can save resources, DSL is still bad for the environment. Wires use copper, and mining this material badly affects the environment. Also, the process of producing wires and copper creates hazardous chemicals and toxins. 
• Cable - Cable Internet connection is almost similar to DSL. The subscribers connect to the Internet using wires. Mining copper to create wires is not good for the environment. The mining site poisons the ecosystem, which results in acid rain. 
• Fibre - Fibre is the newest and most eco-friendly type of Internet connection. Its effect on the environment is minimal because ISPs are using fibre optic cables. The materials needed to create fibre optic cables are just common elements. Manufacturers can easily find them in sand, rocks, or clay. Aside from that, fibre optic cables are durable. It doesn't require regular maintenance. Also, the fibre connection doesn't need a modem. Instead, you will use an Optical Network Terminal or ONT box. You will only need a router such as a Verizon router if you have Verizon FiOS or a Frontier router for Frontier FiOS.

Environmentally Friendly ISPs

Not all Internet service providers are eco-friendly. Only a few of them are offering products and services that are not harmful to the environment. So if you're looking for fibre companies, these are your options: 

• Verizon FiOS
• Frontier FiOS
• AT&T Fiber
• CenturyLink Fiber

Apart from those, there are also eco-friendly Internet providers in small cities. Though most of them are not offering fibre connections like the companies above, they are complying with the environmental code of ethics. Usually, local ISPs are doing their best to reduce their carbon footprint. 

Some ISPs in Australia and nearby countries are actively working toward helping the environment. If you want to subscribe on eco-friendly ISPs in Australia, here are your best options: 

• Optus
• Tangerine NBN
• DoDo 
• Netbay Internet

These companies might not offer the best Internet connection services. However, you can be sure that their operations are not damaging the environment. Just note that the availability of their services might not cover your area. So be sure to check their website to see if their services cover your area. 

Switching to Eco-Friendly ISP

Switching to an environmentally friendly Internet Service Provider is a wise decision. It helps in preserving the planet. 

However, the fibre connection is not widely available because it relies on fibre optic cables. Since ISPs haven't used fibre cables before, expect that the installation and service fee will be expensive. Now, switching to an ISP with a fibre connection is a decision that needs thorough planning. But once fibre connection is widely available, never hesitate to switch to this service. Switching to fibre won't just help in preserving the planet. It also lets you use the fastest Internet connection. 

Final Words 

Internet connection is now an essential part of everyone's lives. However, the ways to connect to the Internet is affecting the environment. For example, creating wires for cable connection and DSL destroys the ecosystem because of copper mining. Also, launching satellites into space would damage the ozone layer. Fortunately, ISPs are starting to offer fibre connections. 

The fibre connection is safe to the environment because it only uses elements from sand, rocks, or clay. However, connecting to fibre now is quite expensive. So if fibre is not an option, look for ISPs that are known for their environmental practices. Usually, smaller companies are complying with the environmental code of ethics.