|
As highlighted by several articles in this issue, green innovation — using energy efficient alternatives to fossil fuel and other methods of minimizing the release of carbon in the environment — has bubbled to the surface of our social consciousness. Increased gasoline prices at the pump, US military involvement in the Middle East, and maneuvering of political parties in preparation for the upcoming presidential election, have reinvigorated the green energy product and service industry and created opportunities for innovators.
Our per capita consumption of foreign oil and carbon emissions can be minimized by forgoing driving in favor of bicycling or use of hybrid vehicles, turning off unnecessary lights, using stairs instead of escalators or elevators, and adjusting the thermostat to reduce energy consumed by heating and air conditioning systems. However, for most of us, such measures are unrealistic or at least unacceptable. Shopping mall operators aren’t about to turn down the lights or reduce the air conditioning, and for many of us, conventional SUVs remain the safest, most affordable option for the daily commute, shopping, and transporting the kids.
Fortunately, and paradoxically, technology has a central role in going green. Consider the simple, painless step of replacing halogen and incandescent bulbs with more efficient fluorescent bulbs. More technically advanced options include replacing traditional home heating and cooling systems with geothermal units, installing solar panels for generating electricity and heating water, smart thermostats for more accurate cycling of heating and cooling, and motion-activated light switches to reduce power consumption.
Often, there are multiple incentives for thinking green. For example, not only does fluorescent lighting technology pay for itself through lower energy costs, but the up-front purchase price is often subsidized by local energy providers. See the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency at www.dsireusa.org.
According to the database, California’s Marin County offers a $500 rebate for a photovoltaic system, $300 for a solar hot water heater, and $200 for a solar pool heater. Of particular note is that innovation is also rewarded by the government. For example, as noted in DSIRE, the state of Massachusetts offers a personal income tax deduction for any income received from the sale of a patent or royalty income from a patent beneficial for energy conservation or alternative energy development.
Even if you can’t afford a solar water heater and solar electric generator, and a wind turbine simply isn’t feasible in your high-rise apartment or condo, you can make a significant difference in how you impact the environment with small behavior changes. Consider upgrading your lead-based soldering equipment so that you can work with lead-free solder. And make certain to contact your local hazardous waste disposal and collection service for information on how to safely dispose of your unused lead solder.
Furthermore, when you order parts and printed circuit boards for your next project, make certain that you buy the lead-free varieties that comply with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive. RoHS components typically cost a few cents more than leaded components, but when you finally dispose of them, you won’t be adding lead to the ground water.
Given the potential impact of electronic technology in reducing carbon emissions, I’d like to dedicate a full issue of Nuts & Volts to green innovation. But I need your help. If you’ve succeeded in building a more efficient solar-to-power grid converter, battery charger, or other electronic device or system that reduces energy consumption, I encourage you to share your innovations with our readers. NV
|
