How Technology Plays a Part in Going Green
This piece was contributed as a courtesty of our guest blogger, Neil Stawski
Image via: Unsplash
We all are well aware of the countless benefits that technology provides us in today's day and age, but did you know there is technology available that can help you support and protect our planet? Technology is a part of our everyday routines, and it is essential that you learn how it could be helping you lead a more energy-efficient life, improving the conditions of your environment, economy, and health. Life Slice invites you to read on to see how tech can provide you with a chance to level up your eco-friendly lifestyle.
Smart Thermostats
Over the past few years, smart thermostats have established a well-known reputation for saving money and energy. As a result, they are now becoming increasingly popular, with The News reporting 15 percent of U.S. households are already using them. Not only do smart thermostats save their customers money, they allow them to monitor usage from their phones from near or far.
Products like the Nest Thermostat use the technological features to take efficiency to a whole new level. The Nest Thermostat quickly learns your schedule and preferences so it is able to make the most accurate and comfortable adjustments for each home. When no one is home, the Nest will modify the temperature so it is not overly heating or cooling your home while you’re away. The Ecobee 4 thermostat is another terrific option, as it can integrate with other smart home devices, has Alexa built in, and features a remote room sensor.
Solar Panels
In an effort to combat the effects of global warming, solar panels are becoming more prevalent in the residential market. There is the obvious advantage of saving money on electric bills, but beyond that, the solar panels play a vital role in reducing our carbon footprint. Pollutants and carbon dioxide emissions are notably decreased when solar power is being used instead of fossil fuels.
On top of saving energy and money every month, you may be able to deduct some of the costs of installing solar panels from your taxes. If you’re ready to add solar panels to your home, EnergySage notes homeowners can expect to pay between $11,411 and $14,874 after solar tax credits.
Mobile Applications
There are absolutely no downfalls to deciding to live a green lifestyle. Being mindful of energy consumption is the first step in supporting a healthier planet. Plus, individuals who choose to live a green way of life are greatly improving the conditions of their environment, economy, and health. But finding ways to apply that to daily living can be tough. This is where apps come in.
For example, mobile applications like Dropcountr give individuals easy and inside access to the details of their water usage at home. Dropcountr allows people to compare their water usage to their local neighbors’ and set personal water goals. Applications such as this one can be crucial in the discovery of a leak, and some areas report a usage drop of 30 to 50 percent following broad implementation of using the app.
Farmstand is another awesome app that makes living a green lifestyle easier. This application was designed for people to share photos and information from local farmer markets and vendors. By sharing the related information and knowledge, the community is better equipped to make dietary selections that support the environment and encourage energy-efficient decisions.
Get Down to Business
If you’re a new business owner, there’s a lot to manage whether you’re writing a business plan, creating a marketing strategy, hiring employees or deciding on a Texas business entity. But there is no reason that these terrific earth-friendly policies must be limited to your personal life. Be sure to embrace them in the workplace, too! Follow best practices whenever possible and set the tone for the company by enacting strategies consistent with your personal ideals.
You might even look to the local government to paint a broader, greener picture. Approach the powers that be and point out that in other locations, cities are seeing economic success that is linked with their ecological measures. Encourage simple changes like better walk- and bikeability and more use of renewable energy. As the town sees positive financial growth, more green efforts are sure to follow!
Now more than ever it is essential that we try our best to live green lives. Make sure you are staying up-to-date on the latest trends and technological advancements that will support you in this invaluable endeavor. Being mindful of energy consumption and adjusting your lifestyle accordingly is the first step in supporting the planet.
For more tips and insight into sustainable living, be sure to subscribe to the Life Slice blog today!
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