What Is Green Tech?

Have you ever heard the term green tech? Given its rise in popularity, it is entirely likely that you have. However, you may be confused about what the term means, what it encompasses, and how it can benefit you.

Green tech is a broad term that refers to any environmentally friendly technology — usually based on its supply chain or production process. For example, solar panels are a form of green technology. This term also refers to energy production, so long as said production is green (clean energy production).

Green Tech History

It wasn’t until the 19th century that people started becoming concerned about greener alternatives. In other words, this is when people became more concerned about the environment. Since then, society has strived to find alternative ways to produce energy, run houses, and operate businesses. Anything that could positively impact the environment has likely been considered.

What changed our mindsets? During this time, scientists became aware of the effects caused by coal burning and other industrial plants. While there is still a long way to go in the green industry, this was the turning point.

Other events helped to raise awareness, including WWII. During WWII, American volunteers gathered used resources, such as metal, rubber, and paper, to help the war effort. When the war was over, scientists and doctors began raising alarms about using certain chemicals, such as pesticides.

Alternative Energy

One of the most commonly discussed types of green tech is alternative energy. In other words — the search for alternative energy sources (to replace fossil fuels). Solar and wind energy are two popular examples, though there are other options, such as geothermal and tidal energy (though these are still young and in need of development).

Carbon Capture

Carbon capture is a tech designed to remove and reduce greenhouse gases — one of the primary concerns driving green tech. There is still a lot of research needed in this sector, and it has yet to gain the traction of alternative energy sources.

Electric Vehicles

Much like we are trying to find sustainable energy methods, people are trying to find more environmentally friendly travel methods. This is because, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, nearly a third of all (U.S.) greenhouse gases come from transportation methods.

Several companies are experimenting with electric vehicles, though none have become so prevalent as to become commonplace within any state. One of the most significant limitations of electric vehicles is their reliance on power grids — which rely on fossil fuels.