6 Ways Technology Helps Clean The Environment
Since the beginning of this modern era, environmental issues have increased tremendously. Problems like climate change, diminishing resources, global warming, and overpopulation are getting out of control. Hence, saving our environment has become much more critical now.
The good thing about technology is it keeps getting better with time. Technological solutions help stakeholders overcome numerous challenges, and one such challenge is keeping the environment clean. It might sound odd, but we’re not just talking about a personal mechanical dust collector, which you can use, of course. But here are six unique ways technology helps clean the environment.
1- The power of going digital
Going digital means using less paper, and all the credit goes to laptops, smartphones, computers, and cloud storage. Thanks to the latest developments in technology, people are going paperless. There is less demand for papers, which automatically cuts down the need for using wood.
Similarly, the cloud helps people save important work without needing paper and maintaining energy-draining physical storage space. Offices are now going online as most of the business operations happen remotely. This helps reduce deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels for commute, creating a safe space for humans and animals alike.
Cleantech is the new buzzword. Companies and entrepreneurs are beginning to work with cleantech professionals to reduce their carbon footprint by making more energy-efficient processes, products, and services. If you’re a business owner/manager, you can consider recruitment for cleantech industry and hop onto the trend. It’ll help you run a sustainable business and provide better solutions to preserve the environment.
2- Electric cars for the win
While there are several ride-hailing apps available for everyday use, the significance of electric cars is growing. The idea behind electric cars is to discourage the exploitation of non-renewable energy resources because of their convenience. Scientists and environmentalists also promote using sustainable vehicles that do not depend on non-renewable energy resources. Electric vehicles help in enhancing the air quality in cities. Not just that, but electric cars are famous for their zero carbon dioxide emission, which significantly reduces air pollution. Similarly, electric vehicles promote a cleaner and greener environment, safe for different societies. Over one year, a single electric car has the potential to save 1.5 million grams of carbon dioxide.
Nowadays, people have more awareness of building a sustainable environment. The demand for electric and hybrid cars has increased. Soon, the prices of electric vehicles will decrease so that more people have access to it.
3- The growing need for a sharing economy
As the name suggests, a sharing economy enables people to buy and use fewer items than before. It allows them to save money, act consciously, and take care of the environment by reusing and recycling. Moreover, being a part of a sharing economy has several environmental benefits. It helps reduce the consumption of available resources and cuts down wastage, carbon footprints, and other hazardous industrial emissions.
Take ride-hailing apps like Uber as an example, which provides the convenience of mobility without owning a vehicle. There are online streaming services like Netflix, which reduces the demand for renting DVDs. Apart from that, one can easily share essential data through iCloud or Google Drive. Renowned brands like Apple and Amazon have created an entire digital ecosystem for their consumers. Such examples define how a sharing economy benefits people and the environment.
4- The concept of smarter homes
Although our homes consume the most energy, business people are working towards making them more energy-efficient. Newer technological innovations have helped in creating energy-efficient and cost-efficient devices. Such devices include smart air-conditioners, advanced thermostats, motion-activated lights, eco-friendly home appliances, smart LED, etc.
Such gadgets come in handy in homes, but they are convenient for workplaces as well. The concept of “smarter homes” contributes towards the environment’s betterment. Less energy consumption leads to a cleaner environment, yet another advantage of recent technology.
5- Eco-friendly food production
Farmers are shifting towards using modern technology to produce food without damaging the environment. By using modern technology, farmers can now produce ten times more food on a small piece of land. Also, genetically modified crops are becoming more common, and less land is required to produce a variety of foods. This helps save natural habitats, and less land gets exploited for agricultural production. Moreover, efficient water and land consumption will give nature time to heal.
6- Saving wildlife
Everyone knows how much wildlife has suffered over our hands. Let’s not keep repeating the same mistakes and do something for these innocent beings. Similarly, modern technology understands the crucial importance of wildlife in keeping the environment alive. Therefore, it is also assisting humans in saving endangered species.
Environmental scientists are finding ecological remedies to save the planet. They have technological solutions to protect wildlife and create environmental balance. Some of the advanced ways technology is saving wildlife are:
- Tracking endangered species’ movements using smart collars, sensors, and GPS systems
- Keeping an eye on animals living near the human population to avoid animal-human encounters
- Creating different safe zones for animals and limiting the general public visiting these spaces
- Remotely monitoring wildlife through cameras and drones
- Using gene-sequencing methods to save animals from incurable illnesses and infections
Conclusion
It would not be wrong to say that nature is the biggest inspiration for technology. Both nature and technology are closely linked together. Like every problem has a solution, environmental issues also have technological solutions. By using technology wisely and promoting sustainability, the environment can become cleaner and healthier.