These days, it can be hard to be a gadget lover. While there’s no shortage of cool machines and gizmos on the market, there’s a lot more significance to their use than there might have been twenty years ago. Now, it’s a question of social responsibility. Namely, what impact is your choice of technology having on the environment and are the rewards worth it?
It’s a tricky dilemma and nobody is expected to live like a hermit, without access to any of the amazing tech that fills our modern world. After all, we’re creatures of convenience and it is technology that allows us to live happier, faster, and longer. On the other hand, there are plenty of ways to retain this lifestyle, while also giving back to the environment.
This guide to the coolest eco-friendly inventions on the market will help you get to grips with how you can contribute to a greener, cleaner world.
The Survival Tent
This unique portable tent was designed by a Jordanian architect. The goal was to create an affordable, sustainable shelters for refugees and other displaced people. Not only do they harness solar power to provide electric on the inside, they also collect rainwater. This means that they are able to house families in need whilst having a minimal impact on the environment.
Sunless Plants
This next invention is almost the exact opposite of solar power, though it has the ability to clean and purify the air. Sunless plants can be grown in rooms without windows, by encasing them in a self-contained ecosystem. The system was invented by the Nui Design Studio and it creates visually striking, fully living ‘orb’ type ornaments. Each one contains a plant or flower which grows without maintenance or intervention.
Pineapple Leather
It’s not just plastic that’s having a devastating effect on the planet. Our obsession with animal products has also become a source of serious environmental pressure. The leather industry, for instance, has been targeted by animal activists for many years. The good news is that several viable alternatives have been developed, including the use of pineapple leaves. They are strong, durable, and their production causes significantly less damage.
The LifeStraw
It’s hard to believe that around 783 million people still don’t have access to safe, clean drinking water. In fact, the number is so big that it’s difficult to even fathom at all. Fortunately, there are some very clever inventors in the world. The LifeStraw was created to make it easier to find water. It contains a sophisticated fibrous membrane, which is capable of filtering out bacteria, debris, and other dangerous substances. Furthermore, it does not contain any chemicals whatsoever!
Sustainable Housing
In various parts of the world, solar technology is being combined with sustainable building techniques to provide affordable housing. One of the most effective methods involves the use of recycled water bottles, so the process pretty much kills two birds with one stone. It finds a use for waste plastic and it creates homes with a very small carbon footprint. They produce no carbon emissions and are powered by solar energy.
How You Can Build a Clean, Green Future
If you’re seriously interested in reducing your own carbon footprint, it’s a good idea to cut back on the purchase of things like plastic water bottles. Little changes, such as going entirely paperless with your household bills, can make a huge difference. Try turning your central heating down by just one degree. You’ll be surprised at how much energy is saved.
Finally, the next step is to think about investing in solar panels. They can be installed very quickly and, as already discussed, the costs are spread across several years. You can even get a subsidy of around $3,500 from the Australian government. So, it could be time to pick up the phone and have a friendly chat with your local solar panel provider.
