In 2018, the world witnessed the largest mass extinction event in the history of life on Earth. Scientists have attributed this calamity to human activity, mainly due to the excessive consumption of fossil fuels and the creation of unsustainable environments. As a result of this, many nations have instituted drastic measures to fight climate change, and some have even gone so far as to establish zero-waste policies, shutting down commercial activities that contribute to global warming.
While environmentalists strive to preserve nature, many believe that human society should adapt to fit within the ecological framework of sustainable development. As a result, a new generation of green products have emerged to reduce our impact on the planet while still maintaining an acceptable level of functionality.
Electric Vehicles
This year, sustainable development has manifested itself in the automotive industry with the introduction of electric vehicles. It is now possible to purchase a fully charged electric vehicle (FCEV) from any major automaker, and many industry insiders expect this trend to continue in the next couple of years.
While most EV manufacturers are still focused on developing luxury products for the wealthy elite, emerging companies such as Rivian are providing vehicles for the average buyer. The upstart company recently raised over $126 million in venture capital to produce its electric car, the R1T, and is now accepting pre-orders.
Sustainable Packaging
To eliminate the excessive use of plastic and still maintain a sleek design, many manufacturers have switched to more sustainable packaging. Thin plastic films are now used to keep food fresh, and many companies, such as Ecover, are capitalizing on this trend by creating recyclable plastic palettes that can be used to store and transport products.
Sustainable Furniture
Sustainable development is also being implemented in the furniture industry, and many designers are now creating products that require less material and emit fewer emissions. Popular products, such as the Bòka Bed by Blue Box Co., reduce their impact on the environment by using materials such as bamboo, which is a fast-growing plant that can be cut down and replaced every few years. Many other companies, such as the Ligne Roset company in France, are creating furniture that is designed to last for many years of use.
Biometric Locks
More people are taking a more active role in securing their homes, so much so that a new generation of security products has emerged to meet their needs. Home security companies, such as ADT and Canary Inc., are now equipping consumers with digital keypads and sensors that can be used to monitor and secure a property. These devices can be remotely controlled by the homeowner, and many security experts claim that digital keypads are more convenient and secure than traditional keys.
Wearable Eco-Friendly Textiles
Many industries, including the textile industry, have been hit with the sustainability wave, and many new products have emerged to protect the environment. Emerging brands, such as Lingerie Eco-Friendly and Fair isle, are providing consumers with soft and stretchy fabrics that are kind to the Earth. These fabrics, however, are not designed to be worn as clothing, so they can be washed and reused for temporary clothing functions.
Energy Storage
Last but not least, let’s not forget about energy storage. It has become fashionable to store electric energy on our mobile phones, laptops, and other assorted electronic devices. As a result, batteries and superconductors have become essential for consumers who want to run their homes and businesses efficiently. Batteries can be stored on solar roofs, and emerging companies, such as Powerbank, are making it easier for everyone, even the average consumer, to purchase and utilize energy storage technology. Superconductors, which are materials that can conduct electricity with no resistance, have also become essential for energy companies, as they can be stored at very low temperatures and used for efficient transport of electricity across long distances.
Whether you’re running a small business or a household, there are numerous ways in which you can reduce your impact on the environment. Many of the products mentioned above are available for purchase online, and many more companies are creating more sustainable options every day. As more and more individuals and businesses become eco-conscious, the marketplace will continue to shift toward more sustainable products.