How to Utilize Technology for a More Sustainable Lifestyle

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Guest author Neil Stawski checks in again with another article on working toward a greener lifestyle…

Going green is a lifestyle choice that many people are making these days, but it can be a major change that comes with a lot of effort.

It’s not always easy to make big changes and stick with them, but if you’re committed to living in a more eco-friendly way, there are some simple things you can do that utilize technology. You may be wondering where tech fits into a green lifestyle, but there have been a few advances in the tech world in recent years that make it easier for us to help the environment and to create a sustainable way of life in it.

From water filters to solar panels, there are many forms of tech that can be incorporated into your world.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Smart technology has made life easier for millions of Americans, and it’s becoming more and more affordable with each passing year. Products like a smart thermostat can help you keep your energy bills down while also reducing your home’s carbon footprint, which means fewer greenhouse gases headed into the atmosphere. These thermostats also learn the warming and cooling patterns in your home in order to better distribute the hot and cold air, meaning your home will be at an optimal temperature at all times.

Find Renewable Energy
One of the biggest forms of tech to arrive in the last several years is renewable energy. Utilizing solar and wind power can significantly improve your home’s ability to run on sustainable power, meaning lower costs for you over the course of the year and a massive benefit for the environment at the same time. For example, consider installing solar panels on your roof, using solar-powered appliances (such as a hot water heater), or, if you live in a rural area, harnessing the power of the wind using a small wind turbine.

Use the Right Apps
There really is an app for everything, and these days many people are making use of apps that will help them live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Try JouleBug to get rewards for every “green” step you make and to keep track of how much money you’re saving by doing so. Or, try an app like ThredUP or Poshmark, which allows you to sell gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories to people around the world. Not only is this a money-maker, but it also helps you to declutter without creating waste. If you’re interested in ridesharing to reduce emissions, check out apps like Uber or Lyft and create an account right from your phone.

Go Your Own Way
If utilizing technology isn’t the way you want to go with your green lifestyle, consider homesteading. This process of growing your own food and living in a completely waste-free, sustainable way is typically done in a rural area because it allows for more freedom and space to move around in. You can do it alone or with a group of people who have the same goals you do, and you can set the terms as far as how far off the grid you want to go. Many people choose to remove technology from their lives completely, while others utilize some forms of tech in order to make the green process more manageable.

Making good use of technology to build an eco-friendly life can take some getting used to, so it’s a good idea to read up on all the options available to you. There are plenty of ways to make this sort of “green tech” affordable and accessible no matter what your budget may be.

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