Technology is emerging as a formidable ally in the fight against global challenges. With a growing population and increasing resource consumption, innovative solutions are imperative. Let’s explore five companies at the forefront of technological advancement, each making a substantial impact on our planet.
Ocean Oasis: Pioneering Wave-Powered Desalination
Water scarcity affects nearly half of the world's population, according to the United Nations. Ocean Oasis, a Norwegian tech company, is addressing this crisis head-on by developing a revolutionary wave-powered desalination technology.
By harnessing the energy of the ocean, the company is providing clean drinking water to coastal communities while minimizing the environmental footprint associated with traditional desalination methods.
“We already see the effects of climate change on our access to freshwater, and it hits in a highly unfair way. Desalination that uses wave energy brings a new dimension and additional opportunities to supply desalinated water without emissions, at a competitive cost, and without the use of valuable land.” - Kristine Bangstad Fredriksen, Ocean Oasis Co-founder and CEO
Sylvera: Illuminating the Path to Carbon Neutrality
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emphasizes the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In its sixth assessment report, the IPCC states that emissions must be cut by almost half by 2030 to limit warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Sylvera, a carbon data provider, understands the need for a net zero transition. They’re contributing to this goal by providing transparent and reliable data on carbon markets and projects to help organizations ensure they're making the most effective investments toward net zero.
By empowering businesses to make informed decisions about their carbon footprint, Sylvera is accelerating this transition to a low-carbon economy. Check out some of their climate research here.
Good Filling: Driving a Package-Free Future With Reuse
Plastic pollution is a global scourge with devastating consequences for marine life and ecosystems. Data from Plastic Oceans International shows that packaging is the largest end-use market segment accounting for just over 40% of total plastic usage, highlighting an urgent need for packaging waste reduction.
Good Filling is addressing this challenge by promoting reuse through its innovative Good Filling Stations. By dispensing Consumer Packaged Goods without the expensive and wasteful packaging, it has identified a convenient and cost-effective solution for both brands and consumers. The user experience of Good Filling’s Dispensing Station is even gamified, allowing them to track environmental impact across transactions, individuals, and machines.
As a first-of-its-kind refill system, Good Filling technology has proven to be a successful waste reduction tool in the commercial real estate, retail, university and now hospitality industries.
JustAir: Empowering Communities Through Air Quality Data
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the combined effects of ambient air pollution and household air pollution are associated with 7 million premature deaths each year.
JustAir is working to improve air quality by providing hyper-local, real-time data to communities about the air they breathe. How does it work? People can view the air quality in their community by accessing the public-facing dashboard, opt-in to receive air quality text alerts, and continue to stay informed about the air quality where they live.
By empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being, JustAir is showing how valuable data and technology can be in building a better future.
Intuitive AI: Optimizing Waste Management for a Circular Economy
It’s no secret that the United States is behind in global recycling efforts – there hasn’t been a new approach to waste management since the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act was established in 1976. When it comes to recycling, it’s a method that many people participate in every day, but the lack of education about its inner workings leads to contamination and added waste.
Intuitive has developed “Oscar Sort”, an AI-powered system that utilizes machine vision and sensor technology to identify and sort waste items directly at the point of disposal. Oscar Sort fits seamlessly into existing waste bins, making it a practical solution for businesses and institutions.
Before a user discards waste items into the designated bins, Oscar Sort scans the items and identifies the type of waste (recyclables, organics, landfill). This real-time feedback ensures proper sorting at the source, minimizing contamination and maximizing the effectiveness of recycling programs.
Innovative Technology is the Key to Addressing Our Planet’s Challenges
The pressing challenges of packaging waste, air pollution, resource scarcity, and waste management demand innovative solutions. From reducing plastic pollution through reusable packaging to optimizing waste management with AI, we’re hopeful about our journey toward a more sustainable future and believe that technology will play a key role in building a healthier planet for generations to come.
About Good Filling
Good Filling runs and operates automated refill machines for home care, personal care, and beverage products, offering homes an accessible and affordable way to help the planet. Our Good Filling Stations allow consumers to reuse their own containers to prevent plastics from entering the waste stream.
With Stations across the United States, and many more on their way, we’re bringing convenience to the zero-waste movement.