Green Technology Myths -- Learn the Truth
Blindly following green technology myths is bad for the environment
Americans are trusting souls so when it comes to green technology, we often believe everything we're told. If your goal is to become eco-friendly and to make a smaller impact on the environment, learn the truth about these three myths.
Hybrid Cars are Always Better than Gas-powered Cars
That depends. If you're comparing a hybrid to a king-cab pick-up truck the answer would be yes. But, this doesn't hold true with smaller cars. For example, the gas-powered 2005 Toyota Echo gets 31 mpg compared to only 27 mpg for the Honda Accord Hybrid. The higher the gas mileage, the smaller the carbon footprint.
The Newest Technology is Always the Most Eco-friendly
'Going green' is big business. Unless you live under a rock, you've heard plenty about being eco-friendly, using green products, and leaving a smaller carbon footprint. So, when different manufacturers release new products and make statements like these, consumers automatically think the products have new green technology and that they're getting products that are good for the environment.
There are some regulations that manufacturers must meet before they can give their products certain ratings or symbols such as the Energy Star symbol. But many times, manufacturers can pledge to make their products more energy efficient or more environmentally friendly and then they don't follow through.
Do some research before you buy major appliances and electronics. Choose the ones that back up their claims of green home technology.
Recycling Cell Phones isn't Necessary
Cell phones are little. What can it hurt to throw them away? Plenty. They may be small, but they're made with many harmful substances like PVC, phthalates, zinc, lead, brominated flame retardants and arsenic just to name a few.
Obviously, cell phones aren't going to decompose. A cell phone that ends up in the landfill will be there for hundreds of years with these harmful substances leaching into the soil. Every year, 120 million cell phones end up in landfills. In the future, this will make a huge impact and it won't be a good one.
Look for phones that are eco-friendly. Some green models are the Sony Ericsson C901 GreenHeart, LARGE Solar-powered phone, Motorola W233 Renew, ZTE Coral 200 Solar, and the Samsung Blue Earth.
Make a commitment when you buy a cell phone. Many people buy a phone and fall in love with it until the next greatest phone comes along. This just adds to the problem with disposing of cell phones. The next time you get a new phone, choose one you'll be happy with for several years.
It's time for Americans to go green, just don't believe every claim manufacturers make. Research and check out products before you buy them. This is the only way to be sure the products you buy truly are using green technology.
