The information age has fueled a rapid evolution of technology that continues to transform our daily lives and shape our society. Modern technology increases our productivity, enables instant access to information, and provides entertainment. However, the technology boom has also given us data centers, computers, and consumer electronics that collectively consume massive amounts of power. Technology products are often made with unsustainable components and pollute the environment through poor manufacturing processes. The often short lifecycle for these products results in tons of toxic e-waste filling our landfills.

Green technology (green tech) is creating a wave of change that reduces the carbon footprint of technology products and reduces society’s environmental impact through the effective use of technology. Green tech promotes sustainability and innovation by enabling technology to meet society’s current needs without damaging or depleting natural resources. Implementing cradle-to-cradle (C2C) design and source reduction supports sustainability by creating technology products that can be fully reclaimed or reused and reduces waste and pollution by changing production and consumption patterns. Green tech innovation creates new and alternative technologies that reduce or eliminate the negative impacts of current methods and processes (i.e. developing clean renewable energy sources in place of fossil fuels). Green tech also improves the economy by creating new careers around technologies and products that benefit the environment.

As we look ahead to society’s future the tables are turning as technology itself becomes a tool for increasing sustainability and reducing environmental impact. There are still problems to solve and challenges to overcome, but the green tech wave will certainly usher in a sea of change for the environment.

Performing a sensing exercise outdoors is a great way to relieve stress, reconnect with nature, and become grounded. With so much going on in our daily lives, its easy to become consumed with todo lists and deadlines, often passing by and leaving unnoticed some of the most important things in life and our environment.

To perform a sensing exercise, simply go outside and find a spot to stand or sit. Then focus on each of your senses individually. What do you see? What do you hear? What do you smell? What do you feel? And possibly, what do you taste? (salty ocean air?) In doing this exercise you can ground yourself with the earth and I bet you will notice things you wouldn’t normally notice. You can do this anywhere, any time of year. One of my favorite places that I performed sensing was at the top of an 11,000 ft snow covered peak in Colorado. But I have also done this in Times Square and on the DC Mall.

Here is my lunchtime sensing today -> I see the sun’s rays streaming through green leaves on tall oak trees and bouncing off the rocks below. I hear the locust chirping, counting down the days of summer, and the breeze rhythmically rustling leaves high in the canopy. I feel the dirt beneath my bare feet and the sun warming my back. I smell the moss on the tree bark and the decaying wood on the forest floor. Ah, all is well!

Part of embracing tomorrow’s technology, is being grounded and connected today. With a clearer mind you can tap into your inner creativity more easily and translate that to innovation you can apply today.