How you can start saving the environment, so Google doesn’t have to

6

October

2021

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Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/zhZydTyNMPg

Google has recently announced to launch new features in the near future. These new features are focused on reducing environmental impact of customers and raising awareness of GHG emissions and climate change. The features are among others; better search results with high quality climate information, alternative and more sustainable routes in google maps, CO2 information when booking flights and software support for a distance-controlled thermostat. All sound like nice features. But the voice of critics has increased. More and more people voice their opinion, stating that is easy for companies to show individual customers how to be more sustainable. However, statistically spoken, corporates and governments are the real problem. This requires some nuance in my eyes, as our open markets make sure the corporates supply what we as customers demand. But still, in a crisis as developed and serious as the climate crisis we are in at the moment, leaving this problem to an open market probably won’t save us.

Features from Google and other companies that are focused on increasing awareness and trying to influence individual behaviour of customers are nice, but it’s not enough. So why are they doing it? Well, I don’t work at Google, so I don’t know for sure. However, I can think of some reasons. The first being the argument that everything helps. Which is true in my opinion. However, the time and resources spent on these features might have had more influence if spent elsewhere. But again, I don’t work at Google. And second, it looks nice. Yes, having these green leaves everywhere in the developed user experience creates the subconscious thought and opinion that a company is ‘green’. But are they?

Curious to hear your thoughts!

Sources:

https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/6/22711623/google-climate-change-greenhouse-gas-emissions-carbon-footprint-maps-search-travel
https://theconversation.com/climate-change-focusing-on-how-individuals-can-help-is-very-convenient-for-corporations-108546

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How the European Commission is trying to design the new iPhone.

24

September

2021

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On the 23rd of September, the European Commission shared a proposal requiring several electronic devices to feature a USB-C port. By doing so, the EC hopes to reduce electronic waste as it’s easier for customers to re-use their old smartphone chargers. 

The first thing that went through my mind (and I’m guessing I’m not the only one) when reading this was; ‘does this mean that Apple is forced to get rid of their iconic Lightning cables?­­’. The answer? Well sort of. Before the proposal becomes a law, it needs to go through a European Parliament vote. However, they seem to be in favour of a universal charging cable for years now, so there’s a good chance the proposal will make it. Manufacturers would then have 24 months to adapt to the new rule. Of course, Apple is not only selling in Europe, so it’s not entirely sure Apple would completely get rid of their lightning philosophy. Apple already responded, stating such a law would only block technological innovation. And they think there are different ways of reducing electronic waste. We simply need to wait how the future unfolds on that one. 

While waiting though, this brings up an interesting discussion in my opinion. How far should controlling bodies such as the government be allowed to go in these sorts of trade-offs? Usually, governments aren’t known for their capability of even keeping up with technological innovation. Slacking, bureaucracy and simply a lack of knowledge isn’t new within their organizations. So, I’m not too certain it’s a good idea to let them dictate what our future devices look like. However, in this case, I’m not too certain about letting the market and commercial companies (earning quite some money off those countless too expensive adapters) handle responsible production and consumption on their own either…   

What’s your opinion?

Sources:

https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/eu-may-force-apple-to-add-usb-c-ports-to-iphones/

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