The concept of “going green” sounds good on paper. Companies across the globe are setting goals to operate more efficiently by balancing sustainability with affordability.
But how many of these businesses are actually pulling it off? What companies are walking the walk and not just talking the talk? What brands are creating technology that is sustainable and affordable?
As the global economy struggles and a potential recession looms, truly “green” companies operating a sustainable (both environmentally and fiscally) business model will begin to stand out compared to the pretenders. As we head through 2023, here are several green tech companies that are coming through on their promise to help build a sustainable yet affordable tech-powered future.
1. PosiGen Is Making Solar Power Accessible
As the idea of solar power has slowly inched toward reality, one of the ongoing issues has been upfront costs — expenses that are disproportionately felt by certain groups more than others. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has reported that low-income households, as well as those of ethnic minorities such as Black, Native American, and Hispanic homes, pay a disproportionately high share of their income on their energy bills.
In contrast, even with government incentives (many of which lower and moderate-income households don’t qualify for), a solar panel system can easily run into thousands and even tens of thousands of dollars. Even if it has the potential to save a home more than its cost over its lifespan, the upfront investment to buy a system puts this green energy option firmly out of reach for many homes.
Enter PosiGen. PosiGen offers solar energy system leases to homeowners, designs them based on a customer’s utility usage, and does not require a minimum income level or credit score. This removes the immediate capital burden of each installation.
ACEEE also highlights home weatherization as a way for homeowners to reduce energy burdens by as much as 25%. PosiGen has an answer for this as well, as it provides a complimentary home energy audit and certain energy efficiency upgrades along with each solar installation, further enhancing each household’s savings.
2. Soluna Is Recycling Solar Power
Sticking with the renewable energy theme, solar and wind power are all the rage now. And yet, the renewable energy industry is still finding its footing.
Blades from wind turbines represent a growing pollution threat. Unpredictability in weather patterns can make financing and paying debts difficult for wind and solar farm owners. Critically, inconsistent revenue and negative pricing periods are chaotic at best and often lead to wasted electricity. (A devastating reality for an industry built around sustainability).
Soluna Computing is a tech company that is answering the issue of excess energy — and even redirecting it to solve a separate yet related issue: cryptocurrency mining. The digital “mining” of cryptocurrency has come under fire for its wasteful use of resources for years now.
Soluna’s reclamation of excess solar and wind power is used to run data centers that sell clean computing power to its customers — including cryptocurrency miners. This is another key example of balancing sustainability with affordability. It’s the definition of efficiency and a clear “two birds with one stone” win for the sustainable tech sector.
3. Sendle Is Making Shipping Carbon Neutral
If there’s one iconic image that represents the ongoing environmental damage taking place around the world on a daily basis, it has to be the picture of large trucks rumbling down the road. Exhaust and fumes, consumption of fossil fuels, and the sheer number of vehicles in operation on the road are alarming.
Sendle is one delivery brand that is working hard to remedy the unsustainable damage done by transportation. The tech company has created a software platform that small business owners can use to gain easy access to cost-effective and flexible shipping options.
Along with its primary focus on moving goods between different endpoints, Sendle is also fiercely committed to a sustainable philosophy — a tall order in its industry. Nevertheless, the brand consistently promises that each delivery is 100% carbon neutral.
This lofty goal is accomplished in multiple ways. For instance, Sendle software charts the most efficient path for each package, ensuring that extra emissions aren’t in transit. In addition, the company invests in positive environmental initiatives to offset the carbon that its carriers do create in the process of doing their jobs. Needless to say, this company is not only balancing sustainability with affordability, but it’s making shipping more convenient as well.
4. Bowery Farming Is Reducing Agricultural Waste
Tech influences every industry today — and the food industry is no exception. From farming to distribution to cutting-edge crops, technology is reimagining life for a planet that has always struggled with hunger.
The only problem is that many of the technologies currently in use tend to be harmful to the environment. From gas-guzzling tractors to earth-damaging fertilizers to chemically-disrupted ecosystems, farming in the 21st century can be as destructive as it is beneficial.
It’s an issue that Bowery Farming is working overtime to address. The sustainably-focused farming company is utilizing food technology to create controlled indoor agricultural hubs just outside of major urban centers. This generates affordable food while addressing a variety of environmental concerns, such as a lack of arable land and water waste.
5. Boundless Offers Clean, Sustainable, Hydrogen-Backed Health
Hydrogen is a popular item for many sustainable initiatives. One unexpected area where entrepreneurs are putting the essential element to good use is the growing health obsession with hydrogen water.
Hydrogen water is a health beverage that combines hydrogen with water and offers a variety of benefits. The process of combining these ingredients can be tricky, though, and often involves chemical processes, such as electrolysis.
Boundless Hydrogen Water has found a cleaner way to manufacture its hydrogen water: through hydrokinetic ultrasonic fluid mixing. (i.e., using sound waves to naturally combine the ingredients.) In addition, the brand only uses green hydrogen obtained from sustainable sources. The result is a healthy, affordable product that is as good for the planet as it is for people.
From food to shipping, solar power, and even cryptocurrency, there are countless tech companies that are creating a real, tangible difference in the environment. As the “green gospel” continues to infatuate all and sundry, the world needs to learn from these leaders in the green tech space. Making a difference and preserving our future is more than a cute mission statement or setting aside a budget for sustainability efforts. It requires thoughtful sustainability strategies executed with the passion and vision for a brighter future.
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay; Pexels; Thank you!
