Technology is rapidly changing and expanding in every field. Just think about the things that you see and do every day, and then consider the same things a few years ago. The advancement of technology has had a positive effect on both people and the environment. The positive impact of technology is evident in areas such as communication, travel and new materials.
Communication
Technology has changed our world into a global village where international and local communication is possible at the touch of a button.
- Smart phones now act as standalone computer devices; they take pictures, search the internet, send e-mails and text messages, and make phone calls.
- Computers have become smaller, faster, lighter and more powerful than ever before.
- The internet allows people to connect with family, friends and work colleagues from across the globe in an instant, not only via verbal and written language but also using Skype, Twitter, Facebook, other social media, and of course, a wonderful thing called Steemit.
Travel
Many new cars today are manufactured with standard GPS and emergency call features for the convenience and safety of drivers and passengers. This makes it unnecessary to carry a map. It also give peace of mind to anyone who travels alone or at night, or in unfamiliar places.
New materials
Synthetic materials today are:
- lightweight, durable and cheap to manufacture
- easy to clean and maintain
- easy to store and transport
- colorful and versatile
- manufactured to cater for a wide variety of needs.
Synthetic materials have had a positive impact on the environment, as they have led to a reduction in the use of natural resources. It also helps that they are mostly environmentally friendly because they are biodegradable, which means that they decompose easily.
As with all things that can be good, also comes the bad. New technology has made it possible for people to produce materials that are easy to use, last a long time and withstand extreme temperatures.
Plastic bags, synthetic materials, plastic bottles, tin cans, reinforced paper and cardboard are examples of things that last a long time and make our lives easier but some plastics that are used widely for food packaging are not biodegradable. If people do not dispose of plastic products properly, they become a hazard to the environment.
The less biodegradable the material, the greater the threat to the environment. Non-biodegradable waste creates various problems, including pollution.
Plastic is a synthetic material that is commonly used to manufacture shopping bags and are usually thrown away together with household waste. Not all plastic bags end up in landfills. They are potentially dangerous to animals because, if swallowed, the bags can block an animal's stomach and cause starvation ans suffocation. It can also cause traps and sickness. Sea turtles, for example, mistake plastic bags for jellyfish.
We should therefore make sure that we as teachers, put in some extra effort to make students aware of the negative impact that technology could have on the environment. Although technology has improved our own lives, it could mean something totally different to animals.
Resources:
Globalization of technology
Biodegradability of Plastics
Rethinking Eco-Responsible Packaging
The Effects of Plastic Bags on The Environment
Ocean plastics - sea turtles