Green Technology

 

How to Integrate Green Technology Into Your Everyday Life

Today's article was written and submitted by: Chelsea McCary - an eco-friendly consumer that is constantly looking for new ways to green her lifestyle. Follow her on twitter http://twitter.com/chelseamccary

The conversation about how technology has changed the global way of life seems to have just begun. Constantly evolving technology and pressing environmental concerns are two of the biggest identifiers of the second decade of the 21st century, but many people don't think about all the many ways that technology and going green go hand in hand. It's easy to think that embracing more and more gadgets will increase your carbon footprint, but in reality, the opposite is true. According to U.S. News and World Report, the qualities that inspire a person to go green and the qualities that inspire people to use new technology are often the same - especially people who invest in concepts as much as products, and people who have an interest in social movements. But it's important to use the right technology and add it to your life responsibly. Here are some simple ways to minimize your impact on the environment and maximize your convenience.

1. Do More on the Internet

You might not consider your computer to be green technology,but it's actually the root of environmentally-friendly convenience. These days, you no longer have to drive to the post office, the bank, or even the grocery store for all your transactions. The internet offers so many opportunities for shopping, paying bills, doing your taxes, and more that it's actually possible to cut down how many days a week you drive. Since the average car emits 36 gallons of carbon dioxide a day, this is a strong impact. The internet also reduces the need for paper forms and receipts. While you're using your computer to go green, you should practice what's called "green computing." That means using LCD monitors, powering down during periods of inactivity, and using a laptop instead of a desktop whenever possible.

2. Change the Way You Cook and Clean

It's easy to switch your old household cleaners for green alternatives which are free of chemicals and made from natural ingredients. But why not upgrade your household appliances, too? If you're shopping for dishwashers, microwaves, refrigerators, washing machines, or more, you should first check the http://www.energystar.gov website to see their efficiency rating. Consumers save over $15 million from using Energy Star appliances every year, and the amount of energy they save is equal to the pollution caused by 25 million cars. If it's not in your budget to replace many of your appliances, there are certain home insurance policies you can buy which will replace them with greener alternatives when they break down. No matter how efficient your appliances are, there are good habits you can practice to save even more energy. Don't pre-wash dishes, don't over-use your dryer, and cook in glass and ceramic dishes to cut down on the amount of time you use the stove.

3. Embrace Environmental Controls

there are a variety of different green heating and cooling systems on the market. Solar, wind, biodiesel, and geothermal systems are becoming more common in residential homes, and they often come with a host of tax breaks and big savings on your utility bills. But if you're not prepared to overhaul your home in such a way, you can still make a big difference by using environmental controls. Home security systems, like the ones you can find on http://www.securitysystems.net offer temperature control where you can lower the air conditioning in rooms that are vacant or make sure cooling is turned off altogether while you're at work. These security systems, which can be made out of recycled materials, also prevent environmental and financial disasters like home fires and burst pipes by alerting you when your home becomes too hot or too cold.

4. Use Mobile Apps

There are literally dozens of apps available with a slant towards (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/green-living-blog/2010/feb/17/top-10-green-iphone-apps) from apps that point you towards local parks to apps that help fund tree-planting in South America. But many green apps have to do with reducing the amount of pollution you create when you drive. If you can't afford to switch to a hybrid or electric car, you can still go green by using these apps to monitor your travel. Avoiding traffic, getting good directions, and driving at a steady speed can all reduce your vehicle's emissions. There are even apps that match you up with other employees at your company to create a carpool or help you understand bus routes and other kinds of public transportation. Making these apps part of your commute will save energy and money over time.

When you think of green technology, you may only think of environmentally-friendly energy alternatives and vehicles. But not every transition to a greener life involves a major change. Green technology can involve all those affordable and smart choices you make to use different products and upgrade your lifestyle. Going green is a decision that can apply to every aspect of your everyday life. And in this exciting internet age, there's no reason not to get started.

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