# 6 Methods to Use Green Technology to Help The Environment

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/03/6-methods-to-use-green-technology-to-help-the-environment/
- Published: 2021-03-23T14:34:10-04:00
- Author: Eillin Delapaz

![6 methods to use green technology to help the environment](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.
com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Pixabay-photo.jpg?resize=780%2C519&quality=52&ssl
=1 "6 Methods to Use Green Technology to Help The Environment - The Green Living
Guy")

The technology industry is thriving. However, the same can’t be said for the environment
and the world’s delicate ecological balance. Many in the professional world concern
themselves with the optimal running of IT facilities. Usually, this is at the detriment
of the environment due to the high carbon footprint. 

Therefore, several IT experts and people in the technology world attempt new and
innovative ways of using technology to help prevent or reverse global warming. These
efforts come as part of the push for more sustainable businesses. Even consumers
tend to favor brands and companies that they perceive have a sustainable framework
and business approach. 

More companies are ready to [use technology to the advantage of the global ecosystem](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/05/why-technology-must-become-more-eco-friendly/),
partly because of the obvious consumer benefits. But also due to the tax incentives
and other indirect PR benefits. 

If you recently wondered how to strategically deploy technology for the good of 
the environment, here are six quick methods. 

## Personal Contributions

The commitment to [sustainability needs to be at every level](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/11/green-careers-jobs-in-sustainability-for-all-levels/)
of the organization, irrespective of how much technology is involved. You can get
started on an individual level by taking the following steps:

**Take a Break** – Configure your monitors and computers to switch to energy-saving
mode when out of active use. 

**Unplug** – You can easily unplug electronics, especially when they have user-friendly
adapters like the [British plug](https://www.americord.com/international-power-cords/british-power-cords/uk-plug-to-roj.html)
devices. 

**Telecommute** – Cut down on travel and long-distance road trips with collaborative
tools like Google Hangouts, Slack, and Zoom. 

## Electronic Devices

![6 methods to use green technology to help the environment](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.
com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Electronic-devices-pixabay-photo.jpg?resize=780%2C536&
quality=52&ssl=1 "6 Methods to Use Green Technology to Help The Environment - The
Green Living Guy")

It might surprise you to learn the amount of technology hardware and devices businesses
buy each year. Most of these purchases have severe ramifications for the planet,
either during their manufacturing, shipping, disposal, or maintenance process. As
tech tools and devices are also part of business resources, minimizing redundancies
can substantially impact. 

So instead of planning for new device purchases, you can prepare for the longevity
of existing technology and take steps accordingly. For instance, Google workspace
works with Chrome, whereas Microsoft Suite requires companies to upgrade devices
before running the newest version of Excel, Word, Outlook, etc. 

## Data Warehouses

Next, you need to take a closer look at your organization’s data needs now that 
it has gone completely paperless. What becomes of all the information your company
produces when it’s not in active use? Most businesses overlook the possibilities
for environmental [conservation created by adopting green](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/04/going-green-includes-polystyrene-foam-recycling/)
methods of data warehousing. 

The current approach data warehousing approach isn’t doing Mother Nature any good.
Maintaining the traditional data and cloud facilities involves immense amounts of
energy. Instead of this, companies can use recommendations from Energy Star or use
the Google Cloud Platform to remove their data carbon footprint altogether. 

## Certified Business Partners

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Tech-pixabay-
photo.jpg?resize=780%2C439&quality=52&ssl=1 "Tech pixabay photo - The Green Living
Guy")

As you aim to upgrade the current standards of your corporate technology, forge 
strategic bonds with partners and vendors with some of these eco-friendly accreditations:

EPEAT – The IT sector’s number one ecolabel worldwide. 

[Green Business Bureau](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/05/green-business-bureau-leading-the-way-in-sustainability/)–
Awards points of companies initiative-based sustainability. 

[Energy Star](https://www.energystar.gov/) – Save energy and reduce carbon footprint
through Energy Star certified office equipment like imaging equipment, computers,
copiers, monitors, printers, etc. These devices consume less power while performing
regular tasks efficiently. 

[American Consumer Council](https://americanconsumercouncil.org/greenc.asp) – Gives
out a Green C Certification when a business meets its high sustainability standards.

[Green Plus – An evaluation program](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/05/great-recycling-program-a-green-initiative-in-nyc/)
that awards certification for sustainable processes. 

## Business Operations

At this point, most tech companies have gone paperless by using email and messaging
tools like Workplace and Gmail. According to [Statista](https://www.statista.com/statistics/252710/total-us-consumption-of-paper-and-board-since-2001/),
paper use across the US is reducing. However, several aspects of the daily business
operations still occur offline. Some of the elements of business operation and processes
that lie outside the [eco-friendly approach of most companies are user](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/03/cannabis-user-how-to-be-eco-friendly/)
adoption, security, and customer retention. 

Whenever something goes wrong along these touchpoints, employees will always resort
to traditional methods like paper printing. Therefore, promptly solving common hiccups
in business processes such as invoicing, accounting, and onboarding involves implementing
reliable infrastructure. 

## Environmental Monitoring

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/pixabay-photo-
emissions-1024x682.jpg?resize=780%2C519&quality=52&ssl=1 "pixabay photo emissions-
The Green Living Guy")

Technology is now playing an instrumental role in the implementation and enforcement
of rules and regulations governing sustainability. In the parts of the world where
animal poachers usually operate, conservations deploy drones to look out for hunting
activities. They fit the drones with security cameras that pickup suspicious activities
while covering large distances in less time. 

Also, governments leverage technology to keep an eye on companies to ensure they
observe environmental regulations. An excellent example is the air pollution system’s
geospatial monitors collecting the air surrounding [oil](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/04/unveiling-the-health-benefits-of-cbd-oil/)
and gas facilities and testing for pollutants. 

## Conclusion

The process made in renewable energy and the present focus on sustainability is 
advantageous for the entire planet. Mother nature thrives on a delicate balance 
of all elements, and it falls to all businesses and individuals to use the means
available to conserve it. You and your company can start with these six tech-focused
solutions. 

But you don’t have to stop here. Even in your personal life and homes, minor changes
can go a long way to make a significant difference, especially if it becomes a collective
effort. Remember, it all begins with knowledge and awareness. Therefore, help spread
the word to a friend or colleague. 

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 Eillin Delapaz

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