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Written by: James Ponds
In today’s climate, it is essential to move away from traditional fossil fuels, wasteful manufacturing processes, and environmental pollutants. Up until the past few decades, green technologies were a futuristic dream. But now, there are a myriad of options available for individual consumers and businesses alike. Cutting down on pollution and working toward global sustainability is completely possible if everyone stays informed about new technologies like internet of things agriculture, and implements them into everyday living.
Solar Power
Solar power is an awesome alternative to traditional power. Whether you own a giant manufacturing plant or you're an individual homeowner, solar power is a great way to reduce your environmental impact and cut or eliminate electricity costs. Because of solar energy’s growing popularity, you can easily obtain a solar quote for your home or business. If the cost of installing solar panels seems daunting, remember that many companies offer financing options. You can even sell the power you collect back to the electric companies; they pay you for the electricity you produce with your home’s solar panels.
Bioplastic
Plastic is one of modern society’s greatest conveniences. Its uses are broad and it’s cheap to produce. Plastic also takes about 450 years to degrade, and it accounts for up to 80% of marine pollution. Believe it or not, the first bioplastic was made all the way back in 1926! While traditional plastic is made from oil, bioplastic is made from the sugars found in plants, and the material biodegrades in just 3-6 months.
Even with the wider use of bioplastics, it’s still imperative to recycle. These plastics are not designed to break down in landfills– they are supposed to be composted or recycled. Regardless of the type of plastic, recycling is an important habit to get into–every item that stays out of a landfill and is repurposed is a step toward a greener future.
LED Lights
LED light bulb technology is set to dominate the indoor lighting market by 2030, and for a good reason! These bulbs are quickly becoming the preferred form of light, saving homeowners and businesses a staggering 40% in energy usage over traditional incandescent bulbs. They’re a little more expensive at the outset, but they’ll last you years instead of months, and the energy you save more than makes up for the upfront cost.
Wind Energy
Like solar power, wind energy is environmentally clean and renewable. Giant wind turbines are set up in large fields, on the coastline, and sometimes way out into the ocean. The result? Enough electricity to power whole cities, with zero pollution. Wind energy currently accounts for just 3% of the electricity produced worldwide but that number is growing; it has the potential to become a more popular power source in years to come.
Sustainable Mass Transit
Transportation and commuting make up a huge amount of air pollution around the world– especially in major metropolitan areas. Lots of people commute alone in their cars, which causes traffic and so many more emissions than are really necessary. Current mass transit isn't much better, with gas-powered buses and diesel-powered trains. Electric railways and buses are the mass transit of the future; with no emissions and the ability to move loads of people at once, they are a sustainable approach to a huge world problem.
Airplanes aren't much better– they use a kerosene-based fuel which isn't sustainable in the long term. However, scientists have developed a naturally derived jet fuel called sustainable aviation fuel (or SAF). This fuel will go a long way in cutting carbon emissions from commercial airplanes.
Final Thoughts
Preserving the Earth is vital for everyone's survival; once it's destroyed, there is no going back. These technologies are extremely important and should be taken seriously. It's so important to implement new, greener ways of living. Even small changes– such as changing out all your home's light bulbs to LEDs– can make a huge difference. If everyone does their part it will be a bright future for everyone.