With lifestyles
increasingly dependent on technology, the demand for energy has correspondingly
gone up. This has a chain effect of demand for more fuel and more intensive
efforts to extract these fuels. But the negative consequences of this has been
more damage to the planet in the extraction processes, and higher emission of greenhouse
gases in the production of energy from these fuels. The tech community is
leading the way in moving away from these destructive energy production and use
methods. How is the tech industry influencing greener lifestyles?
Smarter energy production
There is a shift away
from unsustainable fossil fuels to more sustainable and renewable energy
production methods. These include hydropower, wind power and solar power. Tesla
has announced the switching on of the biggest Lithium ion battery in the world capable of producing 100 megawatts of
electricity powered by solar energy.
More efficient and
affordable technology has lowered the price of solar energy equipment over the
years, making it an increasingly preferred energy source. Research is being
conducted on harvesting energy from the movement of sea waves. These newer
methods of harvesting energy promise greener industries and lifestyles.
Smarter gadgets
Smarter technology is
making gadgets more energy efficient. The Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) TVs and
desktop monitors of yesterday have been replaced by more energy efficient Light
Emitting Diode (LED) TVs and display monitors of today. This has also been
observed in other technology like the light bulb where heat filaments have been
replaced by LEDs. These gadgets are more efficient in energy usage and have
contributed to lower energy demands in industries and homes.
Smarter homes
The concept of Smart homes is becoming more widespread. This involves
programmable gadgets that are able to turn on or go into low power mode as
necessary. Examples are house lights which will dim when there is
sunlight and increase in brightness when darkness is setting in. There are also
programmable lights that will only come on when there is someone in the room.
Smarter home technology
is big on energy efficiency which depends on the air heating and cooling
systems in a house. More sophisticated choices in these systems include temperature
and presence sensing systems that adjust their heating and cooling accordingly which uses just the right amount of energy required.
Better recycling
technology
Recycling technology is better and is increasingly being used in many day to day products. Recycled materials
will be found in office stationery,packaging materials, cars, and a lot other
objects that are in day to day use.