# Why Technology Must Become More Eco-Friendly

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/05/why-technology-must-become-more-eco-friendly/
- Published: 2021-05-14T15:34:30-04:00
- Author: Eillin Delapaz

These days, more and more companies are making the move to become more sustainable.
Only a few decades ago, the idea of environmentally responsible technology was seen
as an oxymoron. After all, aren’t the ideas of industrial progress and sound ecological
practices totally opposed? It might have been that way if a slew of innovators hadn’t
had their way.

Now we live in a world where economic growth and sustainability are operating hand
in hand and making life better for everyone. Here are just a few powerful reasons
why technology needs to become even more eco-friendly in the coming years.

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/chris-ried-bN5XdU-
bap4-unsplash.jpg?resize=715%2C478&quality=52&ssl=1)

## 1. It Makes Good Economic Sense

Contrary to popular belief, making our technology and infrastructure more sustainable
doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, there are now distinct economic advantages
to a green lifestyle. These advantages are set to grow in the coming years. One 
of the prime examples of this is [solar energy technology](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/06/creating-power-from-municipal-solid-waste-best-use-of-waste/).

In 2017, the price of commercial [solar energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/03/reasons-why-you-should-consider-using-solar-power/)
dropped to $0.06 per kilowatt-hour, three years ahead of industry projections. This
makes solar competitive with oil for the first time in history. The technology itself
is also becoming more robust and versatile, with [solar panels](https://www.vivintsolar.com/go-solar/solar-panels)
available in multiple varieties to support independent power generation in both 
rural and urban settings.

Don’t forget the fact that governments are throwing their weight behind green tech
with not only mandates but tax incentives as well. Currently, 22% of the cost of
the installation of a solar power system can be a write-off on your federal income
taxes, helping both homeowners and companies go off the grid.

## 2. It Will Literally Save the Planet

That’s not an exaggeration. If our technology isn’t working with respect for nature,
it’s working against nature. Since we all live on the same planet, that’s quite 
the problem. The most pressing issue in this regard is the release of greenhouse
gases from power generation and transportation.

In fact, according to [EPA statistics](https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/sources-greenhouse-gas-emissions),
those two sectors together accounted for 54% of greenhouse gas emissions in the 
United States during 2019. The overwhelming majority of scientists agree that carbon
emissions are largely responsible for our planet’s recent (and dangerous) warming
trend.

If we don’t do something to correct it soon, we face irreparable harm to the planet
and to civilization. Scientists are not the only ones worrying. According to a 2020
Pew Research poll, about two-thirds of Americans think that more aggressive measures
are necessary to combat climate change. 

Even so, people don’t want to surrender their high-tech way of life to end this 
crisis. The good news is that thanks to the power of human ingenuity, we won’t have
to. Advancements in [materials science](https://mse.stanford.edu/research-impact/research-overview/materials-sustainability),
such as increased battery capacity and photolysis-based hydrogen fuel generation
are birthing a new generation of clean gadgets and infrastructure.

## 3. It Makes Us Healthier

Building our technology in harmony with natural processes has proven health benefits.
On a small scale, products like BPA-free plastics, organic food choices, and biodegradable
soaps all help to cut the level of toxic chemicals entering our bodies. On a larger
scale, designing the places where we live and work around ecologically friendly 
ideals can make immediately noticeable macro-scale improvements in wellbeing.

Two new schools of design are dedicated to making those impacts: [Biomimicry and biophilic design](https://www.terrapinbrightgreen.com/blog/2017/02/biomimicry-versus-biophilia/).
The former seeks to emulate natural processes. For instance, making carbon materials
the way coral reefs do. The latter actually incorporates nature into the design 
of a space. It does so by using certain plants to filter harmful chemicals out of
the air in an office building.

The payoff comes in the form of greater workplace productivity and overall higher
quality of life. There’s a cascade effect at work here: the more we invest in green
technologies at all levels, the more effective we become at operating our entire
society in concert with nature. 

## Conclusion

The thing that environmentalists once thought would doom the world, technology, 
is now humanity’s best chance for a beautiful future. For that to happen, progress
needs to happen with nature and not against it. And thanks to a new generation of
technological pioneers, that future is closer than ever. 

_**Author: Finnegan Pierson**_