Five tech innovations building a more sustainable world

Over the past century, new technology has simplified and improved nearly every aspect of our live. But often to our planet’s disadvantage.

However, new technology and innovative thinking has become the driving force behind a growing global sustainability movement.

We’re highlighting five of the most inspiring tech innovations impacting sustainability and renewable energy access today.

1. Moral Fiber uses science to make fashion everlasting

Cofounders Akshay Sethi and Moby Ahmed created Moral Fiber to eliminate waste from clothing and textiles. By separating polyester from mixed-textile clothing and materials, their team have developed a way to create the world’s first textile product from old clothing.

We’ll start with fabric, but [our technology] can process packaging, bottles, containers, films, multilayer packaging.”

Recycling polyester leads to sustainable fiber that can then be reused an infinite amount of times.

This is just a start for Moral Fiber. The company says, “We’ll start with fabric, but [our technology] can process packaging, bottles, containers, films, multilayer packaging.”

2. AppHarvest is reinventing agriculture, sustainably

In Kentucky Appalachia, founder Jonathan Webb is developing and building some of America’s largest greenhouses, and helping conserve resources often wasted in traditional agriculture techniques. By incorporating new technology with conventional agricultural processes, they are growing non-GMO, chemical-free produce better and cheaper.

Our farms are within a day’s drive of 70 percent of the US population.

Their first greenhouse is set to open by 2020 in Morehead, KY, and it will span over 60 acres. The large greenhouse will operate entirely on rainwater. The company aims to use a 10-acre retention pond that will reduce water usage by 80 percent when compared to a traditional farm. A major step towards more sustainable agriculture for the future.

3. Lyft is helping electrify transit

Lyft made it’s name as a ride share service, and an alternative to Uber. How is the car-focused company aiming to recenter itself around a more sustainable transportation model?

For Sam Arons, Lyft’s first Director of Sustainability, the answer is simple. Through Sam’s vision, Lyft is looking to scale their electric vehicle offerings immensely, while also introducing carbon emission friendly programs such as electric scooter and bike-share programs around the country.

At the Global Climate Action Summit last year, Arons spoke about the commitment Lyft is making to sustainability. “We made a two-part announcement. First, that we would offset all emissions from our business including rides (which were already offset), as well as all other operations. The second part is that all the electricity we use would be covered with renewable energy.”

Lyft is electrifying our transportation and expanding micro-mobility programs to a grand scale. It’ll mean fewer and cleaner cars on the roads — a major sustainability win from coast to coast.

4. Loop is reimagining a waste free consumer industry

Loop has a simple mission: Shop smarter and waste free.

The company has designed a new platform and system to deliver familiar household goods in reusable containers. Once you’re product is empty. Loop will circle back to pick it up — like the old milkman delivery systems of decades past.

After the empty reusable containers are picked up, Loop cleans, sanitizes, refills, and redelivers for a 100% waste free shopping experience. The company is partnering with well known brands such as Häagen-Dazs, Pantene, Tide, Crest, Dove, Seventh Generation, and more.

Ready more about Loop and signup for their subscription waitlist. The service is planned to launch in Spring 2019.

5. The Footprint Project is rebuilding with renewable energy

Last year fourteen weather and climate disaster events cost American taxpayers billions of dollars. These communities need immediate access to resilient energy systems to help rebuild, but 95% of natural disaster relief efforts continue to rely solely on limited diesel generators. We can change that.

The Footprint Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps emergency responders deploy clean technologies that power immediate lifesaving efforts while supporting long-term, resilient recovery. After a disaster strikes, our partners at The Footprint Project will send solar power generators and infrastructure to areas in need.

Now, you can help support The Footprint Project through your Arcadia bill. Choose to donate $1/month on your bill — a quick and easy way to make a tangible difference in communities struck by climate disaster.

Learn more about our partnership with Footprint and how you can add a dollar for sustainable disaster recovery here.