I remember the first time I bought a smart thermostat. It felt like a win—saving money, reducing energy waste, and doing my part for the planet. But over time, I started wondering: if this device is so green, why does it need constant software updates? Why does my old one, still working fine, suddenly feel obsolete? It got me thinking—how much of this “green technology” is actually sustainable?
The not-so-green side of smart homes
Smart home tech is sold as an easy way to live more sustainably. Turn off lights remotely! Adjust your thermostat automatically! But these gadgets come with hidden costs.
- Always on, always using energy. Most smart devices are connected 24/7, constantly pulling electricity and data. That data gets processed in massive data centers, which require enormous amounts of energy to keep running. All that intelligence requires massive amounts of data—and the computers storing that data require loads of energy.
- E-waste is piling up. Tech companies push out new models every few years, making older ones feel outdated. Even if they still work, they might not get software updates, pushing people to replace rather than repair. Recycling these devices is complicated, and a lot of them end up in landfills.
- Short lifespan, big impact. Many smart home gadgets—like doorbell cameras or smart plugs—aren’t built to last. When they break, repairing them is often impossible, leading to more waste.
A personal experience with e-waste
A few years ago, I bought a smart speaker. It was fun at first—playing music with a voice command, setting timers hands-free. But after just three years, it stopped receiving updates. Security risks increased, and I felt pressured to replace it. What frustrated me most was that it still worked. Yet, in the world of smart tech, working isn’t enough—it has to be current. So into the drawer it went, alongside an outdated smart thermostat and a fitness tracker I no longer used. Sound familiar?
Image: freepik.com
The messy truth about renewable energy projects
Renewable energy is essential, but big projects can come with big problems. Take the Snowy 2.0 hydro project in Australia. It was meant to generate clean energy, but it required clearing large sections of Kosciuszko National Park, damaging habitats of threatened species.
- Wind and solar farms need space. They often require clearing forests or open land, which can displace wildlife and fragment ecosystems.
- Mining for materials isn’t clean. Batteries for solar storage and electric vehicles need rare metals like lithium and cobalt, which require destructive mining operations.
- Disposal is a growing issue. Solar panels and wind turbine blades have limited lifespans, and we don’t yet have widespread, effective recycling solutions for them.
A renewable energy paradox
It’s easy to think that wind, solar, and hydro projects are always good. But when they require deforestation, habitat destruction, or intensive mining, the environmental benefits start looking a lot murkier. Does it make sense to cut down a forest to install a solar farm? Is it worth displacing local communities for a hydropower dam? These are tough questions, but they need to be asked.
Greenwashing in the tech industry
Not all “sustainable” companies are actually making a difference. Some businesses get massive sustainability-linked loans, but there’s little oversight to ensure they truly reduce emissions. Some companies get rewarded for vague promises rather than real environmental progress.
- “Green” gadgets aren’t always better. Some eco-friendly products take more energy to produce than they save over their lifetime.
- Newer isn’t always greener. Buying the latest “sustainable” tech every year cancels out any benefits.
- Big companies, big marketing. Many major tech brands push “sustainable” products while continuing practices that harm the environment—like excessive packaging and frequent model upgrades.
A closer look at sustainability claims
Have you ever bought a product because it was labeled “eco-friendly” or “sustainable”? I have. But when I started digging deeper, I realized that many of these labels mean very little. Without strict regulations, companies can use buzzwords without making real changes. A smartphone made from “recycled materials” might still require energy-intensive production. A “biodegradable case” might take years to break down. The lesson? Don’t trust the label—trust the research.
Read also: How to truly identify eco-friendly brands
Green tech that actually saves money and makes sense
Despite the drawbacks, some green tech products are genuinely beneficial—both for the environment and your wallet.
- Smart thermostats (used wisely). When properly programmed, smart thermostats can cut energy costs by up to 10-15% annually by optimizing heating and cooling schedules.
- LED lighting. LEDs use up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last 25 times longer, making them one of the simplest and most effective eco-upgrades.
- Energy-efficient appliances. Upgrading to ENERGY STAR-rated fridges, washers, and dishwashers can significantly lower energy and water bills over time.
- Low-flow water fixtures. Water-saving showerheads and faucets reduce water waste while keeping your utility bills lower.
- Solar-powered chargers. If you rely on portable devices, solar chargers can help reduce electricity consumption for small gadgets.
- Rechargeable batteries. Instead of constantly buying disposables, investing in high-quality rechargeable batteries can cut down on both waste and costs.
When green tech works
The key difference? These products don’t rely on frequent updates, short lifespans, or unnecessary upgrades. They provide tangible savings and efficiency gains over time without creating more waste.
So, what can we do?
I’m not saying we should ditch green tech altogether, but we need to be smarter about how we use it.
- Buy less, use longer. Keep your gadgets as long as possible and repair instead of replacing when you can.
- Look for real sustainability. Research brands and choose ones committed to ethical sourcing and long-lasting products.
- Unplug when you can. Even small changes, like switching off unused devices, can add up.
- Push for better policies. Support regulations that require companies to make repairable, longer-lasting products.
- Question the “green” label. Dig deeper into sustainability claims and call out greenwashing when you see it.
Final thoughts
Green tech has potential, but we need to look past the marketing hype. If we’re serious about sustainability, we can’t just buy our way into it—we have to change how we consume. The real question is: are we willing to do that?
