Climate change, pollution, carbon dioxide emissions, limited resources, and other environment-related concerns have been an issue for years prompting some companies (and even governments) to make a shift and transition from fossil fuels and create more sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions (and products) to reduce or minimize carbon footprints and further depletion of resources. Among those that we know already existed for a while are these two iconic green tech innovations:
The transportation industry is one of the highest contributors to global air pollution and gas emissions, but thanks to companies at the forefront of producing sustainable EVs like Tesla, GM, Nissan, NIO, Volvo, and other automakers, the emissions have the potential to be greatly reduced.
There is increasing popularity of EVs as a clean and eco-friendly transportation alternative which has sparked the rise in the production of EVs these recent years. Apart from being more energy-efficient than traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, EVs have zero tailpipe emissions hence, they help reduce air pollution.
However, the costs of EVs and the lack of infrastructures (charging facilities) in some places including my country discourage people from choosing them over traditional vehicles. I am hopeful however that this will change in the next few years.
I think most of us know this already as it has been utilized for decades and they are considered iconic symbols of green technology. Harnessing the sun's energy and converting it into electricity to provide a renewable and clean energy source not only for residential homes but also for offices and businesses.
One of the largest and most sustainable (energy-efficient) buildings in the world is Apple's headquarters (The Ring) in California which houses over 12k employees. This is an extensive application of the solar energy solution. The building is 100% powered by solar energy (about 75% supplied by the installations on its roof and 25% from its off-site solar farm in Monterey County).
It is said that this is the biggest product that Apple has ever made yet that shows its commitment to great design, technology, innovation, and sustainability.¹
The initial investments in solar panels and their installations in homes or businesses can be quite costly but the long-term benefits and potential savings can offset them. According to my quick research, the cost here in the Philippines ranges from $4k to $10k for an average residential home.
These days, not only do we see solar panels in buildings but they are also being utilized and installed on municipal streets and highways. There are also solar-powered gadgets portable radios, mobile phone chargers, garden and outdoor lights, solar keyboards, solar backpacks, solar headphones, and what have you. There's even a solar-powered weeding robot! The advancement of technology will surely bring more uses of solar energy.
EVs and Solar Panels (Solar Energy) are probably two of the most known solutions to reducing carbon footprints and providing clean and renewable energy to societies, that's why I chose to share them. Of course, there are many other green tech solutions and products these days in various industries from small to large scales. There's vertical farming (agriculture), green fuel (in aviation), and smart grid technology among others that can benefit the economy and the environment.
While there are still some challenges associated with these solutions, we can imagine (and hope) that with the advancing technology and innovation, they will be minimized in the coming years.
[Video credits to Top Luxury on YT. No copyright infringement intended.]
This is my participation in the February Prompts initiative.
Lead image created on Canva. 21022024/20:52ph
