Hello Friends,

In the previous article we explored an interesting thought process of how we can solve the paradoxical nature of sustainability for the greater majority of people. We discussed how often times sustainability involves compromise in comfort and convenience. In this case, it can often times be a dilemma for people to choose between comfort and green living. The true solution for this problem is innovative products which can be integrated into everyday living which offer both convenience and promote green living. These innovations have the potential to be some of the most successful from a business standpoint as they would benefit all stakeholders – the consumer, corporations, governments and non-profits. Hence it now comes down to the idea for such an innovation. In this article we will be discussing such ideas. It is important to realize, however, that these innovations need not to be overly complex. In fact one thing I have learned about innovation is that it is often times the simplest innovations which people come to appreciate the most. These ideas have the potential to be game changers. They have the potential to truly be able to solve the apathy towards green living on a global level.  

So, before we start discussing some of innovative ideas which fit the descriptions above, we need to recognize some basic facts: these types of innovations already exist. It is very likely that all of us have at least once used a product which allowed us to ?live big on a small footprint?. In this article we will be discussing some such technologies which have been developed through this type of innovation.

Firstly, we will look into the lighting industry. Light is an essential need in any household. However it is also one of the greatest consumer of energy around the world. However, what we have noticed in the last 2 decades, is the gradual shift away from the traditional incandescent light bulbs towards more efficient and green technologies. The gradual increase of the fluorescent and LED bulbs within common households has been a result of innovation which has allowed said households to live bigger on a smaller footprint. Firstly, the fluorescent bulb has really allowed us to take the first step away from incandescent lighting.  Improving both the lifespan and efficiency of the light bulb seems like a win-win situation right? Well, that?s exactly what was thought when more efficient light bulb types were introduced. The increased efficiency and increased lifespan meant that customers were willing to pay extra for them as their returns on investment surpassed the up-front cost. The corporations benefitted from garnering demand for higher priced products, and governments and non-profits all liked the idea of widespread green innovation within people?s households. Following this came the LED lightbulb. Eliminating the toxic mercury used in many fluorescent bulbs, LED now represent one of the greenest lighting options on the market. Again significantly improving both lifespan and efficiency, the LED bulb market is expected to increase by twelvefold over the next ten years. This is the first example of how we can live large on a small footprint.

In other applications there have been significant innovations. The list is very long but here are a few notable innovative products which have significantly made a difference in solving the green living paradox: Heat pumps, low emissivity glass windows, and clothes washers which use less electricity and water. These three are major innovations in consumer appliances and products which have integrated environmentally friendliness with one or more forms of convenience. Often times, such innovations allow the consumer to save money through extensive returns of investments. Because of these returns, the prices of these goods are often higher. Hence green living is an investment but one which eventually pays off.

When we look at these products which have been very successful we often times forget their initial purpose. They were made to serve people in a way which they would both benefit the environment without compromising people?s comfort. Each product is tailored towards a particular aspect of a common man?s life. However, there are an infinite number of such aspects with infinite possible improvements to be made as seen in the light bulb example. So ultimately, it is not very difficult to find conceive the next big thing – all it takes is a little thought and the dedication to see through. So, when someone asks you what you think the next big thing will be, I hope you reply it will be something which will allow people to live large on a small footprint. And when asked who will invent it- know it could very well be you!

I highly encourage you all to share a product which has allowed you to live large on a small footprint.

Over the previous 6 months, I have served my third consecutive term as an ambassador. However the discussions and questions/answers I have been able to engage in with my fellow members of this platform have highlighted this particular term for me. I would like to thank everyone who commented to present their thoughts or questions on the topics I discussed. And like always?if you have any comments of question please feel free to comment below. Thank you,

-Nitish Bhatt

photo credit: kamloops.ca