I'd like to share some thoughts and findings from compiling data concerning technology and the environment :) First, let's take a dive into the deep end. We, as homo sapiens, are enduring the fragile, yet immensely powerful cusp of the scientific revolution of mankind as we know it. Looking back on our history, from even before homo sapiens arrived, is more than informative in ways that allow us to foreshadow what to expect based on our actions as a species. Ok. Let's re-focus on the main topic: Technology and our troubled trees: will tech become a burden or the solution to our environmental problems?
We shall move forward, but I do believe it is important to take that GIGANTIC step back in the perspective of time when venturing to find value and purpose in life and living sustainably, peacefully, and happily. I'm also currently reading Sapiens 🤯
How Can Tech Help the Environment?
There are many ways in which technology can help the environment. Here are a few examples:
Developing sustainable technology: One of the most important ways in which technology can help the environment is by developing sustainable technology. This includes creating energy-efficient devices, using renewable energy sources, reducing waste, and designing products that are recyclable.
Environmental monitoring: Technology can be used to monitor the environment and track changes in air and water quality, weather patterns, and other environmental indicators. This information can be used to identify areas that need attention and to develop effective strategies for protecting the environment.
Energy management: Developing and using energy management systems can help reduce energy consumption and promote energy efficiency. This can include using smart home technologies to control heating and cooling, using sensors to detect occupancy and adjust lighting, and using machine learning algorithms to optimize energy usage.
Sustainable agriculture: Technology can help farmers and growers adopt more sustainable practices by providing data on soil health, crop yields, and weather patterns. This can help them reduce water usage, minimize the use of pesticides and herbicides, and optimize crop production.
Green transportation: Developing sustainable transportation options, such as electric cars and bicycles, can help reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. JS can also be used to develop transportation apps that encourage people to use public transportation or carpool.
A Deeper Dive Into Those 5
- Developing sustainable technology:
Developing sustainable technology is a key way to help the environment. By creating devices that use less energy, rely on renewable energy sources, reduce waste, and are recyclable, we can reduce the environmental impact of our technology. Examples of sustainable technology include:
Solar panels: Solar panels are a form of renewable energy that can be used to power homes and businesses. Companies like Tesla and SunPower are leaders in the solar industry.
Energy-efficient appliances: Energy Star-certified appliances use less energy and are designed to be more efficient than their non-certified counterparts. Companies like LG and Samsung are known for their energy-efficient appliances.
Sustainable materials: Materials like bamboo, recycled plastic, and reclaimed wood can be used in the manufacture of products to reduce waste and minimize the use of non-renewable resources. Companies like Patagonia and Allbirds are known for using sustainable materials in their products.
- Environmental monitoring:
Environmental monitoring involves using technology to collect data on the environment, track changes over time, and identify areas that need attention. Examples of environmental monitoring technologies include:
Air quality monitors: Air quality monitors can detect pollutants in the air and help identify sources of pollution. Companies like IQAir and Aclima are leaders in the air quality monitoring industry.
Water quality sensors: Water quality sensors can detect changes in water quality and help identify sources of pollution. Companies like Xylem and Ecolab are leaders in the water quality monitoring industry.
Satellite imagery: Satellite imagery can be used to monitor changes in land use, track deforestation, and identify areas that are at risk of natural disasters. Companies like Planet and Maxar Technologies are leaders in the satellite imagery industry.
- Energy management:
Energy management involves using technology to monitor and control energy usage in homes, businesses, and other buildings. Examples of energy management technologies include:
Smart thermostats: Smart thermostats can be programmed to adjust the temperature based on occupancy, time of day, and weather conditions. Companies like Nest and Ecobee are leaders in the smart thermostat industry.
Energy management systems: Energy management systems can monitor and control energy usage in buildings, optimizing energy usage and reducing waste. Companies like Schneider Electric and Siemens are leaders in the energy management industry.
Machine learning algorithms: Machine learning algorithms can analyze data on energy usage and optimize energy consumption, reducing waste and improving efficiency. Companies like Opower and Bidgely are leaders in the machine-learning energy management industry.
- Sustainable agriculture:
Sustainable agriculture involves using technology to promote more sustainable farming practices. Examples of sustainable agriculture technologies include:
Precision agriculture: Precision agriculture uses sensors, drones, and other technologies to collect data on soil health, crop yields, and weather patterns, allowing farmers to optimize their crop production and reduce waste. Companies like John Deere and Monsanto are leaders in the precision agriculture industry.
Water management systems: Water management systems can help farmers reduce water usage by providing data on soil moisture and evapotranspiration rates. Companies like CropX and Taranis are leaders in the water management industry.
Biological pest control: Biological pest control involves using natural predators to control pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Companies like Biobee and Biocontrol Technologies are leaders in the biological pest control industry.
- Green transportation:
Green transportation involves using technology to promote more sustainable forms of transportation. Examples of green transportation technologies include:
Electric vehicles: Electric vehicles use electricity rather than gasoline or diesel fuel, reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality. Companies like Tesla and Nissan are leaders in the electric vehicle industry.
Bike-sharing programs: Bike-sharing programs allow people to rent bicycles for short-term use, reducing the need for cars and promoting sustainable transportation. Companies like Lime and Jump Bikes are leaders in the bike-sharing industry.
Public transportation apps: Public transportation apps use real-time data to help people plan their commutes and navigate public transportation systems, reducing the need for cars and promoting sustainable transportation. Companies like Transit and Citymapper are leaders in the public transportation app industry.
Overall, these examples illustrate how technology can be used to help the environment in a variety of ways. Key figures in these industries include Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla; Jeff Bezos, founder of Blue Origin; and Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and founder of Breakthrough Energy Ventures, which invests in sustainable technology. Other key figures include environmentalists like Greta Thunberg and Jane Goodall, who advocate for sustainable practices and environmental protection. Let's take a minute to discuss the key players and what they are doing to help.
AI's Thoughts On Energy & The Environment
Query:
"Are the projections of power usage in favor of the environment if more AI is involved?"
Response:
The projections of power usage in relation to AI's impact on the environment are complex and depend on several factors, including the specific application of AI, the efficiency of the hardware used to run AI algorithms, and the source of the energy used to power the hardware.
On one hand, AI has the potential to improve energy efficiency and reduce waste in a variety of industries. For example, AI-powered energy management systems can help reduce energy consumption and lower carbon emissions in buildings and transportation systems.
On the other hand, the increased use of AI can lead to higher energy consumption if not managed properly. AI algorithms require significant computing power, which can lead to increased energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the use of energy-intensive hardware, such as GPUs and data centers, to run AI algorithms can further increase energy consumption.
Therefore, the impact of AI on power usage in favor of the environment depends on the extent to which AI is developed and deployed with energy efficiency in mind. In order to minimize the environmental impact of AI, it is important to prioritize the use of energy-efficient hardware, optimize algorithms to minimize computational requirements, and use renewable energy sources to power the hardware.
The Key Players
Provided is a series of companies and individuals that have gone above and beyond in utilizing technology for the greater good.
Tesla:
Founded in 2003 by Elon Musk, Marc Tarpenning, and Ian Wright.
Produces electric cars, energy storage systems, solar products, and other sustainable technology.
Known for its Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y electric cars.
One of the pioneers of the electric vehicle industry.
Has a market capitalization of over $700 billion as of March 2023.
SunPower:
Founded in 1985 by Dr. Richard Swanson.
Produces high-efficiency solar panels and other solar products.
One of the leading solar companies in the United States.
Has a focus on sustainability and corporate responsibility.
Has a market capitalization of over $3 billion as of March 2023.
LG:
Founded in 1958 as GoldStar.
Produces a wide range of electronics and home appliances, including energy-efficient models.
Known for its OLED TVs, smartphones, and home appliances.
Has a focus on sustainability and has set a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
Has a market capitalization of over $14 billion as of March 2023.
Samsung:
Founded in 1938 by Lee Byung-Chul.
Produces a wide range of electronics and home appliances, including energy-efficient models.
Known for its smartphones, TVs, and home appliances.
Has a focus on sustainability and has set a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
Has a market capitalization of over $370 billion as of March 2023.
Patagonia:
Founded in 1973 by Yvon Chouinard.
Produces outdoor clothing and gear, using sustainable materials and manufacturing practices.
Has a focus on environmentalism and corporate responsibility.
Donates 1% of its sales to environmental causes through its 1% for the Planet program.
Has a reputation for being one of the most environmentally conscious companies in the world.
Allbirds:
Founded in 2016 by Tim Brown and Joey Zwillinger.
Produces sustainable footwear and clothing, using natural and recycled materials.
Has a focus on sustainability and carbon neutrality, using renewable energy and offsetting emissions.
Has a B Corp certification and has set a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2025.
Has gained popularity for its stylish and sustainable products.
Elon Musk:
Founder and CEO of SpaceX, Tesla, Neuralink, and The Boring Company.
One of the most influential entrepreneurs and innovators of our time.
Known for his ambitious goals, such as colonizing Mars and creating a sustainable energy future.
Has a net worth of over $200 billion as of March 2023.
Has been a vocal advocate for sustainable technology and reducing humanity's carbon footprint.
Jeff Bezos:
Founder of Amazon and Blue Origin.
One of the wealthiest people in the world, with a net worth of over $150 billion as of March 2023.
Known for his ambitious goals, such as commercial space travel and reducing carbon emissions.
Has committed $10 billion to the Bezos Earth Fund, which supports efforts to combat climate change.
Has been a vocal advocate for sustainability and environmental protection.
Bill Gates:
Co-founder of Microsoft and founder of Breakthrough Energy Ventures.
One of the wealthiest people in the world, with a net worth of over $100 billion as of March 2023.
Known for his philanthropic efforts, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which focuses on global health and education.
Has invested in a variety of sustainable technologies through Breakthrough Energy Ventures, which seeks to accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon future.
Has written and spoken extensively about the importance of sustainable technology and reducing carbon emissions.
Has been a vocal advocate for carbon taxes and other policy measures to address climate change.
Greta Thunberg:
Swedish environmental activist and founder of the Fridays for Future movement.
Gained international attention for her school strike for climate, which inspired millions of young people to take action on climate change.
Has spoken at numerous international forums, including the United Nations Climate Change Conference and the World Economic Forum.
Has been a vocal critic of world leaders' inaction on climate change and has called for urgent action to address the climate crisis.
Has received numerous awards and accolades for her activism.
Jane Goodall:
British primatologist and anthropologist, known for her work studying chimpanzees in Tanzania.
Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, which focuses on conservation and animal welfare.
Has received numerous awards and honors for her work, including the Kyoto Prize, the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement, and the National Geographic Society Hubbard Medal.
Has written numerous books and articles on conservation and environmental issues.
Has been a vocal advocate for animal rights and environmental protection.
Planet:
Founded in 2010 by three former NASA scientists.
Provides satellite imagery and data to a variety of industries, including agriculture, energy, and environmental monitoring.
Has a focus on sustainability and uses its technology to support efforts to protect the environment.
Has launched over 450 satellites into orbit, making it the largest fleet of Earth-imaging satellites in history.
Has partnerships with a variety of organizations, including the United Nations and the World Wildlife Fund.
Maxar Technologies:
Founded in 1969 as MacDonald, Dettwiler, and Associates.
Provides satellite imagery, geospatial intelligence, and other services to a variety of industries, including defense, aerospace, and environmental monitoring.
Has a focus on sustainability and uses its technology to support efforts to protect the environment.
Has launched a number of Earth-imaging satellites, including WorldView-4, which has a resolution of 30 centimeters.
Has partnerships with a variety of organizations, including the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and NASA.
IQAir:
Founded in 1963 by brothers Manfred and Klaus Hammes.
Produces air purifiers and other air quality products, using advanced filtration technology.
Known for its HyperHEPA filters, which can capture particles as small as 0.003 microns.
Has a focus on sustainability and has set a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2023.
Has partnerships with a variety of organizations, including the United Nations and the American Lung Association.
Aclima:
Founded in 2008 by Davida Herzl and Adam Hanft.
Provides air quality monitoring services, using advanced sensor technology.
Has a focus on sustainability and uses its technology to support efforts to protect the environment.
Has partnerships with a variety of organizations, including Google and the Environmental Defense Fund.
Has received numerous awards and accolades for its technology and environmental advocacy work.
Xylem:
Founded in 2011 as a spin-off of ITT Corporation.
Provides water technology and solutions to a variety of industries, including agriculture, energy, and environmental monitoring.
Has a focus on sustainability and uses its technology to support efforts to protect the environment.
Has partnerships with a variety of organizations, including the United Nations and the World Wildlife Fund.
Has a market capitalization of over $20 billion as of March 2023.
Ecolab:
Founded in 1923 as Economics Laboratory.
Provides water, hygiene, and energy technologies and services to a variety of industries, including food and beverage, healthcare, and hospitality.
Has a focus on sustainability and has set a goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.
Has partnerships with a variety of organizations, including the World Wildlife Fund and the Alliance for Water Stewardship.
Has a market capitalization of over $70 billion as of March 2023.
CropX:
Founded in 2015 by Isaac Bentwich and Tomer Tzach.
Provides soil sensing and analytics technology to farmers and growers, allowing them to optimize their water usage and improve crop yields.
Has a focus on sustainability and uses its technology to support efforts to promote sustainable agriculture.
Has partnerships with a variety of organizations, including the World Bank and the United Nations.
Has received numerous awards and accolades for its technology and environmental advocacy work.
Taranis:
Founded in 2015 by Ofir Schlam.
Provides precision agriculture technology, using drones, sensors, and other tools to collect data on crop health and yield.
Has a focus on sustainability and uses its technology to support efforts to promote sustainable agriculture.
Has partnerships with a variety of organizations, including the European Space Agency and the World Wildlife Fund.
Has received numerous awards and accolades for its technology and environmental advocacy work.
Biobee:
Founded in 1982 by Shimon Steinberg.
Provides biological pest control solutions, using natural predators to control pests in agriculture and other industries.
Has a focus on sustainability and uses its technology to promote more sustainable farming practices.
Has partnerships with a variety of organizations, including the United Nations and the European Union.
Has received numerous awards and accolades for its technology and environmental advocacy work.
Biocontrol Technologies:
Founded in 1993 by Dr. Reuven Kahana.
Provides biological pest control solutions, using natural predators to control pests in agriculture and other industries.
Has a focus on sustainability and uses its technology to promote more sustainable farming practices.
Has partnerships with a variety of organizations, including the United Nations and the World Bank.
Has received numerous awards and accolades for its technology and environmental advocacy work.
Nest:
Founded in 2010 by Tony Fadell and Matt Rogers.
Provides smart home technology, including smart thermostats, security cameras, and smoke detectors.
Known for its Learning Thermostat, which can automatically adjust the temperature based on user behavior.
Has a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, helping users reduce their energy usage and carbon footprint.
Has partnerships with a variety of organizations, including energy providers and smart home platforms.
Ecobee:
Founded in 2007 by Stuart Lombard.
Provides smart home technology, including smart thermostats and home security systems.
Known for its SmartThermostat, which uses advanced sensors to optimize energy usage and reduce waste.
Has a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, helping users reduce their energy usage and carbon footprint.
Has partnerships with a variety of organizations, including energy providers and smart home platforms.
Founded in 1836 as Schneider & Cie.
Provides energy management and automation solutions to a variety of industries, including energy, manufacturing, and buildings.
Has a focus on sustainability and has set a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2025.
Has partnerships with a variety of organizations, including the United Nations and the World Green Building Council.
Has a market capitalization of over $70 billion as of March 2023.
Founded in 1847 by Werner von Siemens.
Provides a wide range of industrial technology and infrastructure solutions, including energy management and automation.
Has a focus on sustainability and has set a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
Has partnerships with a variety of organizations, including the United Nations and the European Union.
Has a market capitalization of over $110 billion as of March 2023.
Opower:
Founded in 2007 by Dan Yates and Alex Laskey.
Provides energy management solutions using machine learning and behavioral science.
Known for its Home Energy Reports, which provide users with personalized insights and recommendations to reduce their energy usage.
Has a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, helping users reduce their energy usage and carbon footprint.
Has partnerships with a variety of energy providers and utilities.
Founded in 2011 by Abhay Gupta and Vivek Garud.
Provides energy management solutions using machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Known for its personalized energy insights and recommendations, which help users reduce their energy usage and carbon footprint.
Has a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, helping users reduce their energy usage and carbon footprint.
Has partnerships with a variety of energy providers and utilities.
Founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen.
Provides a wide range of technology and software solutions, including operating systems, productivity tools, and cloud services.
Has a focus on sustainability and has set a goal of becoming carbon negative by 2030.
Has partnerships with a variety of organizations, including the United Nations and the World Wildlife Fund.
Has a market capitalization of over $2 trillion as of March 2023.
Founded in 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin.
Provides a wide range of technology and software solutions, including search engines, productivity tools, and cloud services.
Has a focus on sustainability and has set a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2023.
Has partnerships with a variety of organizations, including the United Nations and the World Wildlife Fund.
Has a market capitalization of over $1.7 trillion as of March 2023.
Founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne.
Provides a wide range of technology and hardware solutions, including smartphones, laptops, and smartwatches.
Has a focus on sustainability and has set a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
Has partnerships with a variety of organizations, including the World Wildlife Fund and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
Has a market capitalization of over $3 trillion as of March 2023.
Founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos.
Provides a wide range of technology and retail solutions, including e-commerce, cloud services, and entertainment.
Has a focus on sustainability and has set a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2040.
Has partnerships with a variety of organizations, including The Nature Conservancy and the Environmental Defense Fund.
Has a market capitalization of over $1.7 trillion as of March 2023.
Facebook:
Founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg.
Provides a social networking platform and a variety of other technology solutions.
Has a focus on sustainability and has set a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2020.
Has partnerships with a variety of organizations, including The Nature Conservancy and the World Wildlife Fund.
Has a market capitalization of over $1 trillion as of March 2023.
Two Sides: Burden or Solution?
It would be silly to lay out lines of praise for how GOOD all these people are doing for our environment without pointing out the (perhaps misconstrued) fact that technology can be rather daunting and detrimental to the environment. The servers that run the same tech that reduces energy costs in our home are literally consuming that energy on the other end of the routes in large data centers.
This concept raises the question, will technology lean towards being a burden on our Earth and general well-being or the solution? Here are the main points either side would likely bring up in this discussion:
Arguments for tech being a burden to the environment:
Environmental impact of production: The production of technology devices requires the extraction of minerals and metals, which often involves environmentally destructive practices such as strip mining and deforestation. Additionally, the manufacturing process requires large amounts of energy and water, which can contribute to air and water pollution.
E-waste: As technology devices become outdated or broken, they are often discarded and end up in landfills, where they can release toxic chemicals into the soil and groundwater. The disposal of electronic waste is a significant environmental concern, with estimates suggesting that up to 50 million tons of e-waste is generated each year.
Energy consumption: As technology becomes more integrated into our lives, our energy consumption increases. Data centers, which are essential for running the internet and cloud-based services, consume vast amounts of energy, and the energy requirements of individual devices continue to grow as technology advances. This increased energy consumption contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
Arguments for tech being a solution to the environment:
Renewable energy: Technology has made it possible to harness and store renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, which can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change. Advances in battery technology have also made it possible to store excess renewable energy and use it during times when energy demand is high.
Sustainable agriculture: Technology is being used to develop more sustainable farming practices, such as precision agriculture and vertical farming. These methods can increase crop yields while reducing water usage and the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which can have negative environmental impacts.
Environmental monitoring and conservation: Technology is being used to monitor and track environmental conditions, such as air and water quality, wildlife populations, and deforestation rates. This data can be used to inform conservation efforts and help protect the environment. Additionally, technology is being developed to aid in conservation efforts, such as using drones to monitor and protect wildlife.
Arguments against and for tech's impact on the environment are complex and multifaceted, and there are valid points to be made on both sides. But that's not to say that we, as the creators of technology AND these environmental problems, cannot influence the outcome and drive technology into a self-sustainable solution to many hardships on the horizon. Ultimately, the key to realizing the potential of technology to be a solution to the environment lies in responsible development and usage, and in ensuring that the benefits of technology are shared equitably and sustainably.
12 Ways to Be Active:
Prioritize sustainability in the design process: Technology companies should prioritize sustainability in the design of their products and services. This includes minimizing the environmental impact of production and ensuring that products are designed to be easily repaired, recycled, or repurposed.
Promote circular economy: A circular economy approach emphasizes reducing waste and maximizing the use of resources by promoting reuse, repair, and recycling. Tech companies can implement circular economy practices by designing products that can be easily repaired, promoting the use of recycled materials in production, and offering trade-in or buy-back programs for outdated devices.
Reduce energy consumption: Tech companies can reduce their energy consumption by optimizing data center efficiency, improving the energy efficiency of devices, and promoting sustainable energy sources such as solar and wind power.
Ensure equitable access: Access to technology should be equitable and not restricted to certain demographics or geographies. Tech companies should consider how their products and services can benefit marginalized communities and take steps to ensure that these communities have access to them.
Foster responsible data use: As data becomes increasingly important to the functioning of technology, companies should prioritize responsible data use. This includes protecting user privacy, ensuring data security, and promoting transparency in data collection and use.
Collaborate with other stakeholders: Tech companies should collaborate with governments, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to address environmental and social issues. By working together, they can identify and address environmental and social challenges more effectively.
Educate and engage consumers: Finally, tech companies should educate and engage consumers about the environmental and social impact of technology, and empower them to make more sustainable choices. This can be done through public education campaigns, transparency in product labeling, and other initiatives.
Promote responsible supply chain management: Tech companies should promote responsible supply chain management by engaging with suppliers to ensure that they meet environmental and social standards. This includes assessing suppliers’ environmental impact, promoting ethical labor practices, and reducing the use of conflict minerals.
Support innovation in sustainability: Tech companies should support innovation in sustainability by investing in research and development of sustainable technologies, supporting startups working on sustainable solutions, and collaborating with academic institutions to develop new technologies.
Set and meet sustainability goals: Tech companies should set and meet sustainability goals to track and reduce their environmental impact. This includes setting targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy usage, and waste production, and regularly reporting on progress.
Encourage sustainable behavior change: Tech companies can encourage sustainable behavior change by developing apps and platforms that promote sustainable practices, such as reducing energy usage or encouraging public transportation use.
Advocate for policy change: Finally, tech companies should advocate for policy change at the local, national, and international levels to support sustainability efforts. This includes supporting policies that promote renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and protect natural resources.
By focusing on responsible development and usage of technology, and ensuring that its benefits are shared equitably and sustainably, we can harness the power of technology to address environmental and social challenges, and create a more sustainable future.
Go Green with Tech, Today!
Here are three small ways anyone can use tech to help the environment today:
Use a smart thermostat: Smart thermostats, like the Nest or Ecobee, can help reduce energy usage and save money on heating and cooling costs. These thermostats use sensors and machine learning to optimize temperature settings based on user behavior and can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app, allowing users to adjust the temperature when away from home.
Use an energy monitoring app: Energy monitoring apps, like EnergySaver or JouleBug, can help users track their energy usage and identify ways to reduce waste. These apps provide personalized recommendations for reducing energy usage and can be used to monitor the energy consumption of individual devices or appliances.
Use reusable bags when shopping online: Online shopping has become increasingly popular in recent years, but the shipping materials used can contribute to waste. By requesting reusable bags or containers from online retailers, users can reduce the amount of waste generated by their online purchases. Some retailers also offer discounts or incentives for using reusable packaging.
Numbers Don't Lie!
Use a smart thermostat:
According to Nest, the average user saves 10-12% on heating and 15% on cooling costs by using a Nest Learning Thermostat.
The Ecobee SmartThermostat has been shown to save an average of 23% on heating and cooling costs.
The Energy Star program estimates that homeowners can save about $180 per year on heating and cooling costs by using a smart thermostat.
Use an energy monitoring app:
According to the US Department of Energy, households can save 5-30% on their energy bills by using an energy monitoring app.
The JouleBug app reports that its users have collectively saved over $1 million and reduced carbon emissions by over 4,000 metric tons.
The EnergySaver app estimates that it can help users save up to 20% on their energy bills by identifying and reducing energy waste.
Use reusable bags when shopping online:
According to a study by the UK-based Carbon Trust, reusable bags made of cotton can have a lower carbon footprint than single-use plastic bags if they are used at least 131 times.
The online retailer Loop has estimated that its reusable shipping containers can be used up to 100 times, reducing the amount of waste generated by online shopping by up to 95%.
While these small ways may seem insignificant on an individual basis, the cumulative impact of many people adopting these practices can have a significant positive impact on the environment and help reduce carbon emissions and waste.
Thanks for reading. Please do reach out and express your thoughts, call me out, follow me, collaborate, but most importantly... be green. If you are reading this, you have the means to make a difference!