Sustainable Tech: The Imperative of Green Solutions

Words by Gabriel Pe

Our planet teeters on the brink of a climate catastrophe. Each year, we shatter the record for the hottest year, with 2023 now holding the dubious honor. The situation is deteriorating rapidly, with scientists warning that we are nearing the point of no return. If we persist on our current trajectory, it’s projected that we’ll heat the Earth by an additional 2.5 degrees Celsius by the 2030s. This could lead to even more severe weather abnormalities, such as intensified storms, flash floods, and widespread droughts, all consequences of climate change.

The Necessity for Sustainable and Green Tech

Addressing the current climate crisis is a daunting task. Sustainable and eco-centric policies must strike a balance between global demand and local needs, particularly in the energy sector. While developed countries have the luxury of transitioning to greener renewable energy, developing nations still rely on coal and fossil fuels as they gradually build up their infrastructure.

Another challenge plaguing global sustainability efforts is the economic capacity of a country’s population. A recent study found that the Philippines was the leading country contributing to plastic waste in the world’s oceans. Most of these wastes originate from plastic sachets used for food and cleaning products. For many, these sachets are a lifeline, being the most affordable products on the market.

This sustainability dilemma underscores the need for more sustainable and Green Tech solutions. Green Tech is technology that develops solutions to protect our world’s natural resources and mitigate the negative environmental impact of human activity.

Green Tech may be more familiar than it seems. Renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro, etc.) that supply a portion of our energy needs are prime examples of green tech at work. Other common green tech innovations include LED bulbs, electric vehicles (EVs), and biodegradable plastics.

Integrating Green Tech and Sustainability into Our Current Tech

Green Tech and the pursuit of sustainability have gained significant momentum in recent years. The UN’s Paris Agreement and other international treaties for climate action have ignited the necessary spark for global action toward a greener world.

As countries scramble to adopt sustainable solutions, companies are also striving to avoid potential repercussions from changing policies. In recent years, we’ve seen companies pledging to achieve either carbon neutrality or net-zero emissions in production. Companies have re-evaluated their production systems to incorporate more sustainable practices.

We’ve seen products made from upcycled materials, ranging from plastics and scrap metals to clothes and other organic materials. In the tech world, products made from ocean-bound plastic have been produced as part of companies’ commitment to more sustainable production. Others have initiated their e-waste collection systems, where they upcycle materials (mostly internal components) to fulfill their net-zero promises.

Challenges in a Green Paradise

Of course, Green Tech is not without its flaws. As consumer demand for ethical and environmentally friendly products increases, companies have exploited these demands to either cut costs, raise prices, or even outright deceive consumers.

Greenwashing, also known as green sheening, is the practice of conveying a false impression or misleading information about how environmentally friendly a company’s products are. Greenwashing companies often use their substantial marketing budgets to promote themselves as environmentally friendly when, in reality, they are doing the exact opposite.

Energy companies were the pioneers of Greenwashing in the 1980s, with major oil firms spending billions on marketing their corporate social responsibility campaigns. However, these were merely PR stunts intended to convince the public that they were superior to their competitors.

Greenwashing remains a significant issue today, but fortunately, others have stepped up where these companies have fallen short.