We, as people, need to start taking better care of the environment, and it has to start now. Climate change is at a tipping point, and if it tips over, there is no coming back. With the way things are going now, soon, our planet will become unlivable for our future generations.
One thing that is helping us live a more sustainable lifestyle is technology. As technology keeps advancing and innovations keep popping up, this reduction of our carbon footprint keeps getting easier.
So, how can technology help you live a more sustainable lifestyle? We explore some of the ways technology can help us live more sustainably.
Smart Thermostats
One of the most uncomplicated and affordable changes you can make to your home is investing in a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats use sensors and data to heat and cool your home as energy efficient as possible.
Some smart thermostats even check on the weather and learn your habits to maintain the comfortable temperature of your home. Using a smart thermostat would mean your house stays at the temperature you want without you having to do anything. You save on your energy bills and live more sustainably as you use energy more efficiently.
Smart Power Strips
Appliances take energy even when they are plugged in and not used, resulting in wastage. Your phone and laptop chargers, hairdryer, and switched-off tv all take some power from the grid.
There are some things like your fridge and freezer that cannot be unplugged and have to continue running at all times. For everything else, try buying a smart power strip. A smart power strip is just like a regular power strip or extension, but one that can be connected to your phone and allows you to cut off power from anywhere to any of the devices you want.
Most smart power strips also allow you to monitor how much power every device or appliance is consuming, which you can analyze to make changes to your lifestyle as well.
Renewable Energy
One of the best ways technology can help us live more sustainably is through renewable energy. No option is better than using renewable energy at home to reduce your carbon footprint. Solar, wind, and geothermal energy systems will have minimal or no impact on the environment and will also let you save money on electricity bills in the long term. Modern designs are very affordable, easy to install, and incredibly efficient.
Buy Energy Efficient Appliances
Appliances are where most of our energy gets used in our households. Washing machines, dishwashers, microwaves, and refrigerators consume energy at home, especially older designs and models. Try upgrading your appliances and switching to those that offer the highest energy efficiency.
Looking out for Energy Star-rated products is an excellent way to know what appliances are more efficient than the others. Switching up devices like your conventional lights to LEDs is a good way to start.
Go Paperless
Technology has allowed us to go almost entirely paperless, which is great for the environment. Instead of purchasing CDs, you can listen to music online, and instead of buying movies, you can just watch them online or on streaming services.
Also, instead of purchasing books, you can read or even listen to them on your devices online. You can even get your daily news updates through online resources instead of reading a newspaper every morning. Reducing paper is just another way technology can help us live more sustainably.
