Technology and the Environment

Power hungry servers, old toxic computers thrown into local landfills, plastic CDs, and ink cartridges litter our neighborhoods. From some standpoints, eco friendly technology seems like an oxymoron. And of course, steps are being taken by responsible individuals everywhere to reduce the negative impact that technology has on the environment.

However, before we cast too many aspersions on the high tech industry, it is important to take a look at all of the ways that technology has helped people lead sustainable lifestyles in today’s society.

Technology has given us hybrid vehicle technology that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It has given us hydrogen fuel cells that now provide fuel to aircraft in addition to supporting power automobile technology. Technology has enabled us to take an ear of corn and turn it into a renewable fuel source for our cars.

On the home front, technology has helped us achieve sustainability in a number of other ways. The science behind solar cells has allowed us to capture the energy from the sun to heat water and provide electricity to our home. Likewise, wind turbines have allowed us to harness the energy from a gentle breeze into needed electricity. Technology has taken us a long way from burning coal as our only fuel source to a world of endless, renewable possibilities.