By: Charlene Rennick
What is Green Technology?
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Green Technology is the phrase used to describe advances in environmental science that conserve our natural resources. It is an entire area of research devoted to undoing the damage caused by human interaction with the environment and the impact of capitalism on the earth. The core subject of study for Green Technology is sustainable development.
Sustainable development is focused on the balance between fulfilling human needs in a practical way to ensure the protection of our natural environment now and as far ahead in the future for which our scientific methods are capable of designing. Sustainable development concentrates on blending social equality, economic viability and environmentally sound solutions. This relatively new term was coined in 1980 by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature when they published the World Conservation Strategy.
Public pillars of sustainable development have become visible along the horizon of some of the larger urban centers. The irregular shapes of wind turbines, generators that run on “French fry grease”, solar panels and rooftop hydroponic gardens are beginning to emerge as a familiar part of the cityscape. Shipping expenses and the carbon emissions caused by the import of water and produce into the city for consumption will not be an environmentally or economically viable avenue in the future. Reverse osmosis, grey water collectors and urban hydroponic gardens will become a necessity if the supply of water and produce are to continue.
Biodiesel generators will replace many of the present day electric power sources. Currently, biodiesel fuel is made from a mixture of traditional diesel fuel and recycled oils collected from businesses and restaurants within the city limits. Edible vegetable oils used in commercial deep fryers are a big part of the biodiesel mix; hence, biodiesel fuel has earned the nickname, “French Fry grease”. An eighty percent diesel, twenty percent recycled oil mix conveniently suits commercial diesel engines because it can be substituted for traditional diesel fuel without making any modifications to the engines. The Environment Protection Agency maintains that the process of converting grease into fuel is seven times more energy efficient than converting petroleum to regular diesel fuel or the process of growing crops that can be turned into biodiesel fuel.
Green Technology is an alternative anyone can help promote. Making consumer choices that support alternative energy sources is a responsibility that we should be shouldering. Buying cleaning products that are one percent biodegradable (will biodegrade within 60 days), conserving water by growing hydroponically, or choosing household appliances that adhere to energy star and green production guidelines are all actions we can take to preserve what is left of our green planet.
A wonderful article, keep up the good work. I would like to see more from the author.
I agree, I loved this article as soon as I read it. Charlene’s passion for “Green” is evident in her writing. She is a regular contributor here and has written about issues such as water conservation and rooftop gardening.