Eco friendly tips for going green

1. Does it solve an environmental problem?

This may seem obvious, but you would be surprised how many ideas are thrown out there claiming to be wonderful green innovations that do not actually solve a problem. The old adage that if something is broken, then it should not be fixed, is incredibly apt when it comes to making greener choices.

Creating a product that purports to be sustainable yet does not actually correct an existing issue, means that by its very virtue, it cannot possibly be green. Because the world is no better due to its existence, and may, in fact, be worse, owing to the manufacture of a useless item.

Thus we have one of the most ridiculous “green ideas” to ever be conjured. Burying garbage in the ocean in giant plastic bags. This crazy notion does not solve the environmental problem of excessive waste, it simply moves it from landfill into the oceans. Which would cause untold chaos and devastation to the marine ecosystems and by extension, the rest of life on earth. Not to mention the creation of these giant plastic bags is only creating more pollution and waste that needs to be dealt with.

2. Does it create another environmental problem?

Even the ideas that look great and seem to solve serious issues are not enough to call themselves truly sustainable. You need to look closer to really determine if the “solution” being proposed is not merely creating alternative issues for the environment.

Carefully consider what is being put forward, and whether it will result in more problems arising in either the short, or long-term. A recent example of this can be seen in the artificial islands and floating cities being created in Dubai.

While the notion claims to solve residential space issues and create greener land, it has come under heavy criticism for the devastating effects it has on the oceans and local ecosystems. 

3. Are materials being responsibly sourced?

Most green innovations centre around some kind of product or invention being created. While some have been true marvels of science that have helped the world leap forward into a greener future, others have proven to be the opposite.

This is due to companies failing to obtain materials from responsible sources. Over-reliance on non-sustainable materials has seen many a product fall into the trap of ultimately doing more harm than good.

This can be seen in the recent idea for 15-year light bulbs. Everyone was thrilled by these, thinking it would have a positive impact on the amount of electricity being used. But the company did not use responsibly sourced materials to create them and it turns out they are too radioactive to use safely.

So watch closely, and ensure the company is using materials obtained from sustainable sources only.

 4. Is it realistic?

One of the most common problems with green innovations is that they reach too far, and as a result, end up becoming unachievable. While there is absolutely something to be said for aiming high, inventions must exist within the current limits of science. If they do not, they run the risk of becoming, at best, an unrealised dream, or, at worst, a swindle.

You only need to look at New York for a good example of this. The idea of floating gyms, where people form groups and use their own bodies to power plastic globes that travel up and down the city’s rivers. It was born from the problem of the regular traffic congestion in the roads, and resident’s love of attending gyms. Put the two together and you get floating gyms where people can get their exercise while travelling and having less cars on the roads.

The problem is, do people really want to sweat with a bunch of strangers on their way to and from work every day?

The answer is, absolutely not and thus the idea is proving a catastrophic failure. A failure that is made even worse by all the environmentally harmful plastic production that has gone into making the portable gyms.

 5. Is it cost effective?

A cynical but necessary point; is the green innovation going to be manageable from a financial perspective?

The reality is that no matter how incredible something may be, governments will not support it unless they can afford to.

Governments and businesses are more likely to adopt sustainable practices if they make economic sense.

And sadly, the world is still not ready to put the environment first when considering governmental budgets. Therefore, any green innovations that occur now will need to be entirely self-funded by the creators, or be able to be reproduced at an effective cost to benefit ratio.

The most obvious example of this is the recent swathe of hybrid vehicles flooding the market. While they do technically produce less greenhouse gases and emissions when they are running, what the manufacturers will not tell you is that to ensure these are affordable for most people, they rely on massive amounts of non-sustainable materials to produce.

The air car and water powered cars are also ideas that have been discussed, but have absolutely no hope of being created sustainably without significant investments from governments worldwide.