With technologies and society vastly advancing, we as humans are experimenting with ways to help cut down the amount of resources we use. The exponential growth of human population, emissions, power usage, and use of our natural resources has grown immensely.This Neowin exclusive series will give you recent news, advancements, and discussion opportunities of 'greener technology'. Your discussion points will help contribute to the focus of the upcoming article.
This week I would like to set focus on product materials and its effect on our technology.
When comparing a computer from 10 years ago to a computer we see available today, there are many significant differences. The origins of materials such as plastics now differ. Today, building a custom rig brings you many options, some of them more eco-friendly. Some distributers now offer lead free parts, and more energy efficient power supplies to help cut the bill in half. Just this week Dell released the Dell Hybrid: an eco-PC that has an optional bamboo case to help cut back on the plastics.
View: Dell HybridMany of the PC's we see today make use of plastic or aluminum parts made from post-consumer recycled material. One of the most noteable companies making use of such plastics and aluminum is Apple Computers. Four areas of particular attention are product and packaging design, responsible manufacturing, energy efficiency, and recycling. Recycled materials are found in many of their product lines, and can all be given back to Apple's environment friendly recycling program. Apple freely recycles your old iPods, displays, and computers responsibly and sensibly.
View: Apple EnvironmentHave you noticed a company trying to make a difference? Do you feel that 'going green' is helping technology advance? Let's hear your comments and opinions!
Of course not, it's something more that we have to think about when creating devices.
It doesn't mean I'm against it though, hell I'm even annoying at times. I'm 100% for it. It's just the question that is a little wrong IMO.
I just feel like every year we're doing a small step towards being greener in technology. It's not big enough maybe, but we're doing steps still.
Apparently now you can bring your laptop in planes and all that and sometimes they let you connect it... and I've heard that even though machines consumes less these days, in this case the plane would use a lot more power. Don't know if it's a rumor though, but it's not good. Also, at University, there's so many computers that I wonder if we're not consuming as much or more power than we used to before.
Anyway, my real concern is with the oil/gas companies. They don't give ***** about the Earth and they will end up killing us if we don't do anything in the next 50 years. Luckily, hybrid/eco-friendly cars managed to get on the market (Toyota, Honda, the Smart...) How come though? Oil and gas companies are rich enough to continue to stop and eliminate these projects.
Let's see where this debate can lead us, I'm eager to see everyone's opinion on this...
Anyway, my real concern is with the oil/gas companies. They don't give ***** about the Earth and they will end up killing us if we don't do anything in the next 50 years. Luckily, hybrid/eco-friendly cars managed to get on the market (Toyota, Honda, the Smart...) How come though? Oil and gas companies are rich enough to continue to stop and eliminate these projects.
I do actually agree with the majority of what you said, but this is just over the top. I think we need to stop looking at these companies as singular entities, but rather by the individuals that make them up. Do you really think that executive cares little for the Earth? The very same one with three kids and probably a couple of grand kids on the way?
Most companies run on a simple formula of cost benefit analysis. If it makes economic sense they will implement the technology. If it does not, they won't. The main goal of a corporation is not to raise records profits, but rather to stay in business with enough capital to keep things running smoothly.
The reason why you don't see alternative solutions (as often) is because they don't actually make sense on paper. They are significantly more expensive to implement, harder to implement (hybrid SUV/truck) and the savings are not what consumers expect. Worse, the rollover is complicated by the fact that the majority of individuals own traditional cars and likely will not be in the position to change over to a greener solution.
Most solutions are currently still in a novelty stage. They do work, but not as well as the existing proven technology. You will see a shift, but it isn't to a combination of hybrid, natural gas and biodiesel. The markets expects a more uniform solution that a patchwork of what-if alternatives.
It's great that you have your own politics, but they should remain that way - your own, and Neowin really should do better than to pander to such individual political slants, in my view. There are already more than enough websites trying to be crusaders.
It is exactly that - raising the profile. It's not politics. These issues effect every person in the world, and as such we are all responsible for it. It won't go away, and turning your back on it is why this kind of article needs to be posted, because it's the people who blindly refuse to acknowledge the issue an/or blame third parties who need to be constantly told until the message gets in. Believe it or not, the people can make a difference. We live in a consumer economy. If people want to buy "environmentally responsible" computers and parts, the manufacturers will produce them. It's that simple, and we can make a difference. It's the right thing to do, and we all know it.
So, you want to just relentlessly bully people into submission then? I don't get that thinking. Relentlessly banging a drum in the collective ear-drum does not make the monotonous sound any less irritating. In fact, if anything, it has quite the opposite effect. There is a time and place for beating your particular drum(s). Crow-barring it into everyone's ear is just, frankly, rude and selfish.
Further, you make quite an assumption that I don't 'believe in it'. How do you know that? Because I don't welcome reading about it on every bloody website that I visit? And that is the trouble with many 'greens' - they think everyone should be as dedicated as they. Stop trying to beat everyone into thinking like you - they'll ultimately respect you more for it.
Stuff 'em.
The only reason why I use energy saving bulbs, is to try and save money on electricity bills.
The only reason why I use a green electricity supplier is to try and save money electricity bills.
The only reason why I use diesel car is to try and save money fuel bills.
The only reason why I do anything green is for financial reasons now and not green issues. Because no matter how "green" I am, it's still not enough for the Government and local Government depts.
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