The Cost of Green Technology: Green Technology Articles: Eco20/20

The Cost of Green Technology

Almost everyone is aware of green technology in this day and age. It permeates our day-to-day lives. From our homes, to our city streets, to our popular culture; green technology is present in some way to make the conveniences we enjoy make less of an impact on our environment. Whether that means reducing the amount of energy required to complete tasks, reusing materials that were previously discarded, or cleaning up pollution that is already present; somewhere, green technology is at work to keep our environment as hospitable as possible. Every day we hear about a new innovation-taking place, which aims to "conserve our natural resources" or "protect the planet".

Although this technology is new and exciting, as well as friendly to our environment, at what cost do we obtain it? Naturally, like any new technology, innovative devices and concepts will always be expensive when they are first released. The many proponents of green technologies stress that, not only do the benefits far outweigh the costs, but also adopters of green technology will allegedly end up saving money in the long run. Are the costs worth it, especially with the promises of saving money in the future?

Green Technology in the Home

An excellent place to examine green technology's effects is in your very own home, and if you usually stick to rather traditional devices or appliances, a friend or family member's home is bound to have some. Devices such as CFL light bulbs are a great example of commonplace green technology. Although initially more expensive than standard incandescent light bulbs, CFL light bulbs use less energy, and use what energy they do use much more efficiently by creating 90% less heat. Heat can easily be translated to wasted money. These bulbs also burn out in a matter of years rather than days. Are they worth the extra few dollars per bulb to reap the savings in utility bills later? Many would say so.

Although a larger investment, some dishwashers, washing machines, and driers are also aiming to be more energy efficient. Many washers can now detect how much water is needed to efficiently wash a load of laundry, and avoid wasting water unnecessarily. Driers are being made to use less electricity by detecting dampness (or lack thereof) and shutting off automatically. Although these newer appliances may cost several hundred dollars more, it can be argued that the volume at which electricity and water is used will translate to savings later.

Green Technology on the Road

There is great debate on whether or not hybrid or electrically powered vehicles are as good for the wallet as they are for the environment, in a long-term sense. A hybrid vehicle can cost upwards of $8000.00 compared to their traditional combustion-only counterparts. Allegedly, maintenance is reported to be less frequent on hybrid models, and approximately evenly priced with that of combustion-only models. The significantly less fuel consumption and tax benefits could also act to save money in the future. The problem is, it is definitely a very-long term investment, simply because the car might be sold before the owner starts seeing returns. Is it worth shelling out all that hard-earned money for a hybrid vehicle just yet? Maybe not, as Eco-friendly vehicular technology is still in early stages, even now, and the next best research breakthrough could be just around the corner!

Perhaps not all green technology is worth adopting right away, but some items have proven their significant advantages time and time again. With others, we might have to wait and see. If you're wise about your investments in green tech though, there is serious money to be saved!