Green is the New Black

As companies rush to “go green,” determining the right approach to creating effective Web-based communications that capture the spirit of environmental conservation is crucial. This year, astounding amounts of consumers have switched to energy-efficient light bulbs and have traded in their SUVs for Priuses, only to make yourself sit and wonder. Is going Green the latest fad, or the future? I would say both.

In 2006, a movie, done by Al Gore in “An Inconvenient Truth” ushered in an unparalleled era of environmental awareness. The next thing you knew magazines published green issues, actors spoke out about reducing carbon emissions (Leonardo DiCaprio, The 11^th Hour) and musicians rocked out on stage (Live Earth). Large tech companies (Apple, Miscrosoft, Google) have become aware and have given us products that are “environmentally friendly,” but what will it take for us to become more environmentally aware?

It is very difficult to change a large culture. How long have word been spreading about the earth falling apart because of us? Years. It is not until recently that musicians, celebrities, news, companies, and more are pushing a great deal of effort. Not to mention your local stores such as Walmart, who started recently designing products that are more environmentally friendly.  I think those contributors are starting to make an impact now.

Let us take a brief look into the future. I think where we are going now, and with a few of us becoming increasingly aware of our environment, I am going to take a guess at what is likely to come as far as using tech and going green. Physical security systems, such as the magnetic ID cards people use to enter and exit buildings; will increasingly control things like lights, heat, and other energy-related building functions. There are a few ways companies due this now by using motion detectors to turn on lights when a person enters and exists a room, but this will be a little better.

I think more companies will construct wind turbines or solar panels, or a wave-driven power generator. Giant companies like HP have moved to build out a major solar power installation in San Diego. Google is investing millions into alternative energy development. Once the big dogs do it, everyone is likely to follow. Could the green tech movement finally kickstart paperless office? We will see, but surely, there will be ways of better managing ink and paper in an office or home. Green homes will be the wave of the future. More and more homes are becoming self-sustaining dwellings that save the money in our bank account as prices rise.

Finally, what we use more often these days will see a change for the better. Computers are power hungry goblins, unbelievably, and very little households turn their computers off at night. Manufactures know this, I think we will begin to see better, more efficient computers that will save some money.