What Tomorrow Will Look Like: Everyday Sustainability!

Today, we have AI that can make our grocery list, we create green roofs for in-office get-aways, and we’re even testing self-driving cars (a lot!). But that’s small compared to what may be coming – everyday sustainability. Tomorrow, well, we really don’t know–we’re hoping it will be efficient and amazing.

Much like the smartphone, state of the art technology is expected to become integrated with our everyday life. And, even though it may change the way we eat, drive, communicate, and live, we may take it for granted.

Already, we can see our homes and apartments becoming more and more sophisticated from the inside out. Architects, contractors, and designers are turning to more sustainable materials and installing longer lasting products like insulated bricks, solar panel roofs, and fully optimized lights, utilities, and air conditioning.

Some homes are already being outfitted for life without cars – as cities begin to realize that a healthy commute creates a healthy community.

For those that may still drive to work, “Research results, some of which are projecting into a future that doesn’t even yet exist, predict bold environmental benefits — from fuel economy improvements of more than 50 percent for cars and trucks to lowering vehicle carbon emissions by more than 90 percent” – Ensia

And much like your home, your office will probably be automated as well. By taking advantage of larger windows and natural sunlight as well as regulating the building’s energy efficient artificial lighting according to the time of day, your office will save big on electricity usage.

The internet of things will take care of office supplies and submit an order before you run out of printer paper – if you even still use paper, that is. There are already apps that are and will be utilized to keep that paper usage to a minimum.

A city may even have its own systems – almost like a living thing. Entire support systems could regulate traffic lights, prioritize water flow and usage, or dim streetlights on nights with a full moon. Programs like city-wide compost –yes compost, not just recycling—are already becoming more popular.

These ideas are only what we can see from our current perspective. We can guess what will become our everyday lifestyle in the future–until we get there, that is.
So, what do you think will come of the technology that we can see developing? How will everyday sustainability affect your city…your home…your work…your life?