# data[].attributes.body
This is a nonprofit organization originally from St. Paul, Minnesota. Their goal is to be a welcoming organization that brings the joy of reading and the community together and expands book access globally in their Little Free Library book-exchange boxes. Together they work with local public libraries and schools to make sure any person is able to find a good book to read.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Building community.

Inspiring readers.

Expanding book access.

When Children Have Access to a Little Free Library, They Read More.

News & Updates

During the summer, millions of children are left with fewer opportunities to discover stories and build reading skills. When school closes for the summer, they lose easy access to books.

Little Free Libraries are always open. Because of these book-sharing boxes, children can continue their reading journey all summer long.
Help us ensure book access never takes a summer break!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Take a Book. Share a Book. - Little Free Library

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization with a mission to build community, inspire readers, and expand book access for all through a global network of volunteer-led Little Free Libraries.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
A group of scientists observed that healthy coral reefs tend to be filled with sound from all the organisms that live there, and that the noise can attract more activity to coral reefs that are struggling to grow or starting to die. This led to the development of acoustic enrichment, in which the ambience of a healthy, busy coral reef is played through a speaker near a struggling reef to help it develop and attract new populations of fish and other creatures.

# data[].attributes.body
Sources:

https://earth.org/data_visualization/acoustic-enrichment-a-new-hope-for-dying-coral-reefs/

Image: https://www.jacadatravel.com/all/travel-guides/best-coral-reefs-in-the-world/

# data[].attributes.body
Nuclear energy is something that would be extremely beneficial to the world due to the high energy it produces and the low amounts of waste it produces. This form of creating energy has been fear-mongered ever since the Chernobyl failure. All nuclear meltdowns caused in nuclear power plants have been due to poor safety precautions. A standard 1000 megawatt nuclear station produces enough energy for over 1 million people whilst producing 3 cubic meters of high-level waste. As long as there are proper safety standards implemented at all nuclear power locations no form of power would be more beneficial to use.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Nuclear Essentials - World Nuclear Association

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The electricity generated from nuclear reactors results in small amount of waste and has been managed responsibly since the dawn of civil nuclear power. There are several management strategies in practise, such as direct disposal or reuse in reactors to generate more low-carbon electricity.​

# data[].attributes.body
The Orono Farmer's market is frequent opportunity for students and locals of Orono to engage and obtain local farm goods. Further by engaging and supporting local farms you can not only keep these local farms going, but you can you said farm goods to store away crops and goods via fermentation. Then through said fermentation/storing processes you may use an in-season crop much later.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Maine Federation of Farmers' Markets - new

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Orono Farmers’ Market - Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets - new

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Summer Market: Saturdays 8:00am–12:00pm May –November, in the Steam Plant parking lot after Commencement in mid-May until Thanksgiving in November Tuesdays 2–5:30pm 4th Tuesday in June until the last Tuesday in October. How to follow the market all year: The Saturday Orono Farmers’ Market is open every week beginning the first Saturday in May. It will remain in […]

# data[].attributes.body
Geothermal heat is an abundant and carbon-free energy source that accounts for less than 1 percent of global renewables capacity. This is because geothermal plants require specific geological conditions. With the development of drills, we can go deeper into the earth and break through solid rock allowing places previously thought as untappable as viable options

However, the cons of this new energy source are the potential effects on seismic activity. Although the risk is considered to be minimal there has been an earthquake that was linked to enhanced geothermal projects

# data[].attributes.headline
Keurig Cups and Their Contribution to Environmental Waste 

# data[].attributes.subject
Keurig Cups and Their Contribution to Environmental Waste 

# data[].attributes.body
Small plastics like coffee pods, according to some estimates, can take up to 500 years to decompose in landfills, where they leach chemicals into land and water. Keurig, the company responsible for producing K-cups, announced in 2021 that it had converted all its pods from a kind of plastic that’s nearly impossible to recycle to polypropylene, which is recyclable. The problem though is that while some people might put their coffee capsules in their recycling bins, most recycling facilities, do not accept coffee pods made out of polypropylene. Therefore causing lots of waste.

# data[].attributes.body
This website is very informative on the ways that we as a people can take initiatives to learn and educate ourselves about conserving water and finding effective strategies to creating a strong water culture.

Within the website, we found that they are hosting a free presentation, Sept. 23 from 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM, that will focus on the following:

"As water supplies become more limited in our county, it’s more important than ever to understand and implement effective strategies for conserving our most precious resource.

Our lineup of presentations includes:

Rainwater Harvesting: Learn how to capture and utilize rainwater for irrigation and household use, to reduce your water bill and provide a backup water source in the summertime.

Rain Gardens and Bioswales: Discover how these natural landscaping features can capture rainwater runoff while enhancing the beauty of your yard and promoting local biodiversity.

Greywater Reuse: Find out how to recycle wastewater from baths, sinks, and washing machines for irrigation and other non-potable uses.

Home Water Saving Solutions: Get expert tips on simple adjustments you can make in your home to save water every day, from installing water-efficient fixtures to landscaping with drought-resistant plants" (Greywater Action).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Make Every Drop Count (Oregon coast) - Greywater Action

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Make Every Drop Count Presentations start @ 6:00pm Info tables and Refreshments from 5pm-6pm Gladys Valley Marine Studies Building at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, located at 2030 SE Marine Science Drive. Sponsored by Lincoln County Master Gardener™ Association, Newledo Exploration Hub, OSU Sea Grant and Mid-Coast Water Conservation Consortium, this event aims […]

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Klean Kanteen | A Step To A Better Future

# data[].attributes.body
Klean Kanteen is a climate neutral company that invests 1% of every sale to organizations across the world that are actively working hard to make the world a better place. Klean Kanteen has supported over 140 environmental organizations via 1% For the Planet since 2008! With the company investing parts of sales to these organizations, you can also do your part and drink from safe, reusable water bottle.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our Business Has an Environmental Impact. Period. We love our planet and we own our responsibility to take care of it by doing everything we can to minimize our impacts and use our business as a force for good. We measure our impact so that we can take action to reduce it. This self-reflexive process drives decisions i

# data[].attributes.body
The Google alternative, Ecosia, is a web browser that actively works to restore the changing environment around us. Ecosia uses 100% of its profits to put back into powering every search with renewable energy. The company also actively goes on missions across the world to plant trees where they are needed most, and have active blogs dedicated to the impact that the trees make in all the different locations.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Ecosia - the search engine that plants trees

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Ecosia uses the ad revenue from your searches to plant trees where they are needed the most. By searching with Ecosia, you're not only reforesting our planet, but you're also empowering the communities around our planting projects to build a better future for themselves. Give it a try!

# data[].attributes.body
Space-based solar energy—not many people would think this is a huge field but scientists are finding new ways to gain solar-powered energy. The two biggest ways are Laser solar satellites and microwave solar satellites, Both of these ways are very viable options for future development in this field but some drawbacks for each are: Laser solar satellites obviously have lasers on them and can potentially be used as a weaponization source that someone could potentially use, a pro is after launched and is in orbit; it is self-assembled, which lowers risk and costs drastically. For microwave solar satellites, a con is that once you assemble it in space, it will be over several kilometers in diameter. Microwave solar satellites have many more pros such as, it can safely transmit solar energy through air no greater then midday sun, and has enough power transmitted in one satellite to power a large city.

https://www.energy.gov/space-based-solar-power

# data[].attributes.body
On April 22, 2024 Maine received funding through the Solar For All program. This program was created to help bring solar panels to low income households and disadvantaged families. Solar panels are a good renewable resource but not the best. They are able harness a resource we definitely run out of any time soon, but solar panels are not permanent. Sometimes they only have a longevity of 20 years, and have to be disposed of. For many regular users of solar panels, when it comes time to dispose of the panels this can prove to be a difficult task. I do think it is exciting that Maine, somewhere very local has a chance to help improve the carbon footprint we have.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Solar for All | Governor’s Energy Office

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Maine Selected for Funding through Solar for All

# data[].attributes.body
Apparently, so many interesting things have been invented in the wind turbine realm in the last few years, I was honestly surprised I hadn't heard of it yet. From silent wind turbines to cultivating seaweed at offshore wind farms to help the fish, so many new and improved innovations have come into play, one can't help but wonder why no one has thought of them before. Perhaps most remarkable, in my opinion, is the "AWT", or Air Wind Turbine; it is a turbine that floats, and reduces energy costs by roughly 65% by utilizing faster winds higher up in the atmosphere. Ultimately, I think it's safe to say that so much is in the works, we should all be staying tuned to see where this new tech leads us.

https://www.treehugger.com/future-wind-power-cool-innovations-4858207

# data[].attributes.body
"Slime molds have existed for about a billion years and have evolved over that time to be really efficient and adaptive towards their one singular goal of feeding and surviving. So when a group of scientists in Japan placed its favorite food, oat flakes, at various locations corresponding to the major cities in Japan, this creature was able to, within a matter of 5-6 days, map out the complex rail network which took Japanese engineers years to plan and map."

I find this to be particularly interesting because these researchers were able to use a biological, naturally occurring system to solve the problem much quicker than humans could.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Researchers use ‘virtual slime mould’ to design a TTC subway network less prone to disruption

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It doesn’t have a brain and survives on rotting vegetable matter – but it could offer valuable insights into city planning, according to a team of University of Toronto researchers. Physarum polycephalum is a slime mould, a single-celled amoeboid organism that grows as a greenish-yellow system of veins. These veins form a tubular network that is optimized to transfer nutrients efficiently throughout the entire organism.

# data[].attributes.headline
Are you Curious About the Plants Around You?

# data[].attributes.subject
Are you Curious About the Plants Around You?

# data[].attributes.body
PlantSnap is a one of a kind app that allows you to easily take pictures of plants and in the matter of seconds give you the name of the plant and additional information! This app makes it easy and fun for younger generations to learn more about the nature around them and gives them free information in the matter of seconds! PlantSnap also comes in 37 different languages so it makes it accessible for numerous people!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Plantsnap - Identify Plants, Trees, Mushrooms With An App

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
"I was kinda skeptical at first... I got this app after a bad two weeks of poison ivy. The videos and tutorials have helped me make sure my success rate with the algorithm stays high- big thanks for that! As I continue to "collect" new flowers and plants that grow on my property, I'm really enjoying the fun info and feeling like I have a botanist in my pocket at all times. I would recommend for future updates: 1) mushroom and fungus descriptions to know if it's safe for eating raw, cooking, is hallucinogenic, or deadly. The idea of knowing what's edible out there from dandelions to whitecap mushrooms would be really cool to capture and enjoy. 2) augmented reality... live video collecting various plants and flowers, and the algorithm can be focused to know its a location based collection, so there's no overseas plants, etc which could aid in faster live identification. This could also help see where poison ivy, poison oak, or various toxic plants are. I could see some sort of game of collecting or helping identify could help you collect points, and redeem them to have someone plant a tree... idk. Great app! Thanks!"

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
PlantSnap - Plant Identifier App, #1 Mobile App for Plant Identification

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
PlantSnap is an easy-to-use plant identifier app. Use it for instant flower identification, tree identification, and other plant identification needs!

# data[].attributes.body
I found an app called MyNature Animal Tracks and it specializes in allowing the user to identify what animal tracks they are finding in the wild. This can help users determine what animals they might have in the wild in their community!

# data[].attributes.body
This is an organization that is made up of members of the community. A permablitz is when people go to community members homes, set up edible gardens, and share permaculture skills all in a day. The family and the designer get together and look at the movement patterns, eating, and working habits. They also look at the environment the land is in, like whether it will be on a hill or not. They then plant the gardens accounting for all of these factors to have the most successful and maintainable gardens.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
So... What is a Permablitz?

What is a Permablitz?

Permablitz (noun): An informal gathering involving a day on which a group of at least two people come together to achieve the following:

create or add to edible gardens

share skills related to permaculture and sustainable living

build community

have fun

The term permablitz is a contraction of permaculture and blitz, where a blitz simply means a focused effort to get something done.

Permablitzes are always free, public events, with free workshops and shared food, where you get some exercise and have a good time.

To be defined as a permablitz each event must be underpinned by a permaculture design by someone with a Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) - the most basic permaculture qualification.

The network runs on reciprocity, and in order to qualify for a permablitz you usually need to come to some first, although there can be exceptions in this case. We'll explain more about these ideas below.

Who comes to permablitzes?

Anyone and everyone can come to a permablitz. Never picked up a shovel? No worries! We especially welcome first time gardeners so skill level and physical ability aren't problems at all. Just come and contribute any way you are able. We all have to eat, so food gardening is relevant to everyone and you're sure to meet interesting, friendly people of many stripes and persuasions at a permablitz.

What happens on the day of a permablitz?

Every blitz is different. But you can expect to be welcomed with a cup of tea. When most people have arrived there will be an intro circle in which the design for the day and the ideas behind it will be explained and then we'll get to work. There will be tasks like sheet- mulching, planting fruit trees, digging paths and swales, making vegetable beds with no-dig methods or implementing greywater systems. You'll be shown what to do and be working with others, and there will be short workshops relating to the activities so you can learn new skills. The host will provide a shared lunch. By about four o'clock we'll break and thank everyone. Usually by then quite a transformation has taken place!

How to get involved

Getting involved is easy. Sign up to the Melbourne Permablitz Newsletter to stay in the loop about upcoming blitzes and courses. (Put your email in the Permablitz newsletter box in the middle column of the footer of this website and click 'Subscribe'.) Or you could "like" our Facebook page, or just come back here regularly and look out for upcoming blitzes on the calendar.

Since we usually have more people wanting to blitz than we can accommodate, you'll need to RSVP to the host.

On the day make sure you dress for the weather and bring a water bottle and gloves if you need them. Feel free to bring a few gardening tools, and if you like, some food to share. The host may put out some extra requests for things like newspaper or extra seedlings. But it's fine just to bring yourself too.

Reciprocity & how to get blitzed

The permablitz network is based on reciprocity and if you come to two or three permablitzes we can help organise one at your house. That's right - we can connect you to a volunteer or professional permaculture designer, help you plan your blitz, promote it, and coordinate it on the day. For free. Sweet deal, no? Once you've accumulated sufficient 'blitz credit' and you're ready to host, see our Get Blitzed section.

Timeline of a permablitz

Each permablitz is part of a longer process including a pre-blitz design visit/s by permaculture designer/s, prior organisation of materials needed for the blitz and whenever possible, post-blitz follow up visits to learn from our successes and failures.

Who co-ordinates the permablitz network?

Permablitz Melbourne is comprised of several groups who contribute in different ways to permablitz events.

The Permablitz Melbourne Collective: a group of coordinators who link hosts and designers and champion the blitz concept. Find out more about the Permablitz Collective.

The Permablitz Melbourne Designers Guild: a pool of volunteer designers for permablitzes, but the group also meets to share skills and knowledge relating to permaculture design. As of June 2015, the Guild has almost 200 graduates of Permaculture Design Certificates from around Melbourne. If you have a PDC, joining the Guild is a great way to get experience, build your skills and network with other designers. Click here to sign up!

These groups organise blitzes in Melbourne, however there are now many Permablitz groups across Australia and across the globe which may have different structures.

Oh my god there are so many WORDS!
Don't you have a video or something?

Yeah - we do actually! Click the image below to be taken to a video Costa did back in the day which showcases exactly what Permablitz is all about.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What is a Permablitz? - Permablitz Melbourne

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Permablitzes (or permaculture blitzes) are always free, public events, with free workshops and shared food, where you get some exercise and have a good time

# data[].attributes.body
Nest is a thermostat created by Google in attempts to save energy and control the temperature in your house. It has a variety of different features, such as Eco-Mode, motion sensors, temperature sensors, etc. I think the most impactful is the Eco-Mode, which automatically turns up/down the temperature once you leave the home, and brings it back up/down it once you are back in the house.

Another feature I find cool is the Rush Hour Rewards setting. These hours occur when a large number of people in your area turn on their air conditioning/heating at the same. If you decide to participate, your thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature to save energy while still keeping your home at comfortable temperature. Some of the rewards offered are discounts, bill credits and more.

# data[].attributes.headline
Can a bird tracking app help us to better understand nature?

# data[].attributes.subject
Can a bird tracking app help us to better understand nature?

# data[].attributes.body
Yes! This app called eBird is used by many birdwatchers across the globe. It provides an easy and interactive way to log where you went bird watching and what you saw. It also places all of the information gathered into a dataset which garners incredible research about the characteristics of birds, their flight patterns, and where they migrate in the winter/summer.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Find more birds

Keep track of your bird lists, photos, and sounds

Explore latest sightings from around the world

Join the world's largest birding community

Contribute to science and conservation

eBird began with a simple idea-that every birdwatcher has unique knowledge and experience. Our goal is to gather this information in the form of checklists of birds, archive it, and freely share it to power new data-driven approaches to science, conservation and education. At the same time, we develop tools that make birding more rewarding. From being able to manage lists, photos and audio recordings, to seeing real-time maps of species distribution, to alerts that let you know when species have been seen, we strive to provide the most current and useful information to the birding community.

eBird is the world's largest biodiversity-related citizen science project, with more than 100 million bird sightings contributed each year by eBirders around the world. A collaborative enterprise with hundreds of partner organizations, thousands of regional experts, and hundreds of thousands of users, eBird is managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

eBird data document bird distribution, abundance, habitat use, and trends through checklist data collected within a simple, scientific framework. Birders enter when, where, and how they went birding, and then fill out a checklist of all the birds seen and heard during the outing. eBird's free mobile app allows offline data collection anywhere in the world, and the website provides many ways to explore and summarize your data and other observations from the global eBird community. Learn how to get started.

eBird is available worldwide, comprising a network of local, national, and international partners. eBird directly collaborates with hundreds of partner groups for regional data entry portals, outreach, engagement, and local impact. Explore regional collaborators.

Data quality is of critical importance. When entering sightings, observers are presented with a list of likely birds for that date and region. These checklist filters are developed by some of the most knowledgeable bird distribution experts in the world. When unusual birds are seen, or high counts are reported, the regional experts review these records. Learn more about eBird data quality.

eBird data are stored across secure facilities, archived daily, and are freely accessible to anyone. eBird data have been used in hundreds of conservation decisions and peer-reviewed papers, thousands of student projects, and help inform bird research worldwide. Learn more about eBird data use.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿ Find more birds Keep track of your bird lists, photos, and sounds Explore latest sightings from around the world Join the world's largest birding community Contribute to science and conservation eBird began with a simple idea-that every birdwatcher has unique knowledge and experience. Our goal is to gather this information in the form of [...]

# data[].attributes.body
Tesla's was originally meant to push for a sustainable renewable world but we're now realizing it doesn't solve any problems. the actual production of the car still produces the same if not more emissions, the lithium-ion batteries are bad for the environment and aren't recyclable and if you charge your car at home and are on your towns power grid, you are most likely still powering your car with fossil fuels

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
On May 13, Elon Musk said Tesla would no longer accept bitcoin because of bitcoin's heavy energy consumption. Yet the company ranks well behind General Motors and Ford in reporting carbon emissions and setting carbon-reduction targets. So how green is Tesla, really?

# data[].attributes.body
AllTrails is an outdoor activity app that helps users find new hiking trails and map out their progress along the trails. It is a good example of observe and interact because it introduces people to new places and promotes getting outdoors and interacting with nature. The app/website also supports a variety of other outdoor sports trails.

# data[].attributes.body
A smart recycling bin is an innovative version of a traditional waste bin, with the ultimate aim of sending less waste to landfill. It is equipped with various capabilities to improve waste management and recycling efforts. They are designed to make the waste collection and recycling process more efficient, convenient, and sustainable for everyone.

I think that smart waste bins are a great way to jumpstart a global shift when it comes to our environment. Everyone owns a trash bin, why not create change at the same time with a simple swap.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The rise of the smart city has seen numerous innovations over the past decade, with a range of advanced technologies being introduced to improve and streamline city infrastructure. Spanning many different systems, including energy, transportation, and internet connectivity to name a few, they aim to make urban areas more accessible to everyone that inhabits them. With global waste projected to increase by 69% before 2050 and a growing commitment from over 80% of businesses towards environmental sustainability, the need for improved waste and recycling management is more pressing than ever to achieve zero waste goals.

Smart cities like New York, Barcelona, and London, in tandem with Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, are leading the way in promoting more efficient urban living. Among the various sectors benefiting from these technologies, smart waste management is emerging as a crucial element in enhancing the livability and sustainability of municipalities around the world.

The journey from the generation and collection of waste to its diversion and processing is becoming more efficient, thanks in part to the introduction of smart recycling bins. These bins represent a significant step in cleaning up urban landscapes and streamlining waste management systems. Innovations in this sector, including AI-powered solutions like Pello, are transforming operational costs and waste management benchmarks, offering deeper insights into the lifecycle of waste. As we explore what smart garbage bins are and how they function, it's clear that such technologies are pivotal in shaping the future of sustainable urban living. But what exactly are smart garbage bins and how do they work? Read on to learn the answer to these questions and more.

What Is a Smart Recycling Bin?

A smart recycling bin is an innovative and technologically advanced version of a traditional waste bin, with the ultimate aim of sending less waste to landfill. It is equipped with various sensors, connectivity features, and data analytics capabilities to improve waste management and recycling efforts. They are designed to make the waste collection and recycling process more efficient, convenient, and sustainable for both businesses and consumers.

In addition to sensors and data capture features, a smart recycling bin may also include auto sorting technologies and a compactor . Often, these features are supported by AI technologies that can efficiently identify waste types and send them to the right containers. Once the containers are full, the smart bin can be emptied, and waste streams easily diverted to the correct recycling facility.

How Do Smart Waste Bins Work?

Today, there is a range of different smart bins available, each with a different set of features that enhance functionality over that of a conventional trash can . However, broadly speaking, most smart bins work in the same way.

Features of A Smart Recycling Bin

While different smart bins offer different features, there is a core set of elements that turns a conventional trash can into a smart bin. Below we cover these core features in more detail.

Smart bins are equipped with sensors that can detect the fill level of the bin. This information is often transmitted wirelessly over WiFI or Bluetooth, allowing waste management teams to optimize collection routes and reduce unnecessary pickups. Cameras and other sensors may also detect the type of waste being placed in the bin.

Connectivity

Smart bins are connected to the Internet of Things (IoT), enabling real-time communication between the bins, waste management teams, and central control systems. This connectivity also allows data collection and analysis.

Data Analytics

The data collected from the smart bins, such as fill levels, types of waste, and location, can be analyzed to identify patterns and trends. This information can help in making informed decisions about waste collection schedules, recycling campaigns, and resource allocation.

Notifications

Some smart bins can send notifications to waste management teams when they are nearing full capacity. This helps optimize collection routes and prevents overflow, reducing environmental impact.

Benefits of Smart Waste Bin Technology

Smart waste bins offer a huge range of benefits over conventional waste management solution s, ensuring that more waste is sorted before it reaches recycling facilities. Some of the benefits include:

Efficient Waste Collection

Traditional waste collection methods often involve fixed schedules or routes, which can lead to unnecessary trips and wasted resources. Smart bins, equipped with fill-level sensors and IoT connectivity have the potential to disrupt this approach to waste management by continuously monitoring fill levels and transmitting real-time data to waste management operators.

This data provides insights into the rate of waste accumulation, enabling operators to create dynamic collection routes. Instead of collecting from bins on predetermined schedules, waste management teams can now prioritize bins that are nearing full capacity. By doing so, they reduce the number of collection trips and minimize the carbon emissions associated with fuel consumption.

Data-Driven Insights

The data collected by smart waste bins goes beyond just optimizing collection routes, offering a rich vein of information for improved waste management strategies and enabling evidence-based decision-making. By analyzing the patterns and trends in waste generation and disposal, waste management teams gain valuable insights into the behaviors of communities and individuals.

For instance, data might reveal peak waste generation times, allowing for better resource allocation during these periods. Moreover, understanding the types of waste being disposed of most frequently can guide the development of targeted recycling campaigns. By tailoring educational initiatives to address prevalent waste disposal habits, recycling efforts become more effective and impactful.

Behavioral Change

One of the most interesting impacts of smart waste bins is their ability to influence individual behavior . Through real-time feedback mechanisms, these bins encourage people to be more conscious of their waste disposal habits, and when users see that their actions directly impact the fill levels of bins and the efficiency of waste collection, they are more likely to adopt responsible waste disposal practices.

This behavioral shift extends beyond just using the smart bins correctly, and it can inspire a broader shift towards sustainability in daily life. As users become accustomed to this type of feedback loop, they may start to consider waste reduction and recycling in other aspects of their routines.

Cost Savings

Optimized collection routes mean fewer trips, reduced labor, and lower fuel expenses, meaning cost savings for any waste management team or company. In addition, by preventing overflow and littering, additional costs associated with cleanup and maintenance can be reduced.

These cost savings align with broader sustainability goals, with efficient resource utilization reducing the waste management industry's environmental footprint, making it more sustainable and responsible.

Smart Bins - Looking to the Future

While smart bins are already packed with the latest tech, advancing technologies look set to push the concept further. In the future, more smart bins are likely to be fitted with AI operating systems, allowing the device to actively learn, and subsequently cleaning, sorting, and crushing all types of waste more efficiently. In addition, improved data analytics will allow a better understanding of waste generation, allowing both businesses and consumers to identify ways to reduce and eliminate unnecessary waste.

However, while these elements may be seen as the next mainstream features, as smart cities continue to develop it is hoped that innovation will keep pace, and as smart trash bins continue to improve recycling rates , they may get even smarter!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What are Smart Waste Bins and How are They Changing Recycling? | RTS

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Discover how smart waste bins revolutionize recycling practices with their innovative features and efficient waste management systems.

# data[].attributes.body
Flashfood is an app that helps reduce food waste by connecting consumers with grocery stores and restaurants selling surplus food at discounted prices. By facilitating the sale of items nearing expiration, it benefits consumers, supports local businesses, and minimizes environmental impact, while raising awareness about food waste issues.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Flashfood | Save money and reduce food waste

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Get massive savings on fresh food items like meat and produce that are nearing their best before date at grocery stores across Canada and the U.S.

# data[].attributes.body
Whether you daydream about a digital detox, want to pay more attention to your toddler, or are buying your very first phone, the Light Phone III is a tool for a better life.

# data[].attributes.body
Detroit Community Technology Project’s (DCTP) mission is to use and create technology rooted in community needs that strengthens neighbors’ connection to each other, and to the planet.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
ACCESS | PARTICIPATION | COMMON OWNERSHIP | HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

Rooted in the Detroit Digital Justice Principles, Detroit Community Technology Project's (DCTP) mission is to use and create technology rooted in community needs that strengthens neighbors' connection to each other, and to the planet.

We are community technologists - those with the desire to design, build and facilitate a healthy integration of technology into people's lives and communities, allowing them the fundamental human right to communicate. We work to demystify technology and expand digital literacy in our communities through two primary community technology programs: our Data Justice Program and our Equitable Internet Initiative.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Rooted in the Detroit Digital Justice Principles, Detroit Community Technology Project's (DCTP) mission is to use and create technology rooted in community needs that strengthens neighbors' connection to each other, and to the planet. We are community technologists - those with the desire to design, build and facilitate a healthy integration of technology into people's lives and communities, allowing them the fundamental human right to communicate.

# data[].attributes.body
if this Internet, then, can be transformed into a garden, computers themselves will become spaces of software-plants, hardware-dirt, and data-creatures.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
garden.local is an art project that combines drawing installations, local wireless networks, and a website based on those same drawings and networks. Audience members may use their own smartphones or those provided by the gallery to enter the software-generated garden. Once inside the garden, audience members are able to experience the transformation of the garden through visual, sound and textual elements, witnessing and cultivating the growing mosses, lichens, and mushrooms within. In this essay, I will prioritize exploring the conceptual inquiries, followed by a footnote for collaborators, technical details and accessibility.

# data[].attributes.body
For every fairphone product sold, we’ve proven that electronics can be made more sustainably. And we’re actively challenging industry practices. Together, making an impact.

# data[].attributes.body
Is Apple building planned obsolescence into their devices which contradicts their claims of sustainability?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
With environmental issues under the spotlight, we're becoming increasingly aware of the damaging effects that mountains of textile and plastic waste our throw-away lifestyle generates. Hardly any of us realise the harmful side-effects of the millions of iPhones manufactured by Apple every year and our seemingly innocuous act of buying a new iPhone and tucking our old one away.

Without getting too deep into discussion about the intersection of technology with sustainability, let's examine how bad iPhones are for the environment and whether Apple is taking the necessary steps to make iPhones environmentally friendly.

How Bad Are iPhones for the Environment?

The main problem with iPhones, and smartphones in general, is their short lifespan. Annually, Apple takes to the stage to announce an 'improved' version of an iPhone and due to numerous factors including end of contracts, brand loyalty and physical damage to their current iPhones, many users will inevitably upgrade. In fact, 45% of smartphone owners would rather upgrade than repair their phone with cost of repairs being the main culprit.

Apple improve the specifications of their iPhones every year, but we are at a point where we should be seeing significant advances to reduce the environmental impact of smartphones. There are some scientifically agreed and established tactics that can be implemented to reduce the impact of iPhones on the environment:

Choosing recyclable components

Reducing reliance on rare earth and toxic materials

Repair-friendly hardware design

Minimising packaging and making durable accessories

Improving energy efficiency

Extending ownership

Many of these are already incorporated into Apple's operations to some extent, and in comparison to other smartphone manufacturers, Apple is more environmentally focused. Apple retail shops and data centres are powered by 100% renewable energy and the tech giant uses an advanced recycling robot which takes 200 iPhones apart per hour. But this is only a fraction of what can be done, and the same ambition for accessible repair and planet-first hardware design from Apple is much needed.

Mining and Manufacturing iPhones Has the Most Impact on the Environment

Apple reports that 76% of its carbon emissions are generated by manufacturing and only 14% by use of products. Although Apple is taking measures to reduce the use of toxic and 'critical' materials in the production and the latest iPhones have their magnets made from 100% recycled rare earth elements, a closer look at Apple's environmental reports demonstrates a trend of rising carbon emissions created during the production stage, which covers everything from mining the raw materials to final assembly.

It's not difficult to calculate that if iPhones were made to last, consumers could offset the emissions created during production by simply being able to use their iPhones for longer. But fragile designs and costly repairs encourage people to pick a new iPhone instead of keeping their current model for longer.

Are iPhones Made to Last?

Remember the controversial Apple news of 2018? Apple was caught intentionally slowing down older iPhones in an attempt to prevent unexpected shutdowns. Fast forward to today, after various multi-million dollars lawsuits, Apple is now more transparent about their practices and users have an option to manually disable processor throttling on their iPhones. But the main concern remains, Apple building planned obsolescence into their devices which contradicts their claims of sustainability. This shouldn't occur in a tech company's operations that positions itself as doing good for the planet.

The glass design gives iPhones a premium feel, however "glass is glass and it breaks". It makes iPhones prone to scratches and unsightly cracks that are expensive to fix. Apple have added Ceramic Shield coating to its iPhone 12 series promising 4x better drop resistance. This improvement is applaudable, however the latest iPhones still scratch at level 6 and various drop tests have reported better durability of iPhone 12 screens. But let us remind you that only the displays of iPhone 12 series are coated with Ceramic Shield technology. What is the point of protecting the front glass and leaving the rear one out of the equasion. This leaves us with an impression that Apple is making baby steps in the right direction, however what is claimed on stage during iPhone launches differs from real life products and it doesn't match up with Apple's ambitions towards sustainability.

Apple is doing a great job at keeping their devices supported for longer than its rivals do, and equips iPhones with performance enhanced processors. For example, a five year old iPhone 7 runs the latest iOS 14 without an issue. But besides perfectly functioning software, the batteries naturally degenerate, and even though there are ways to maintain battery longevity, replacing a battery is sometimes essential, but can only be officially supplied by Apple and replaced by an Apple certified repair provider.

Are iPhones Repair-Friendly?

One of the main reasons for iPhone replacement is physical damage or an unhealthy battery. Apple charges substantial fees for repairs and actively opposes Right to Repair, making it challenging and nearly impossible to fit a new screen or swap a battery at home or do so at a local repair shop. When weighing the cost of repair against the price of a new phone and factoring in the hassle of taking an iPhone for a repair, it is all too common that consumers decide to rather upgrade.

Source: iFixit
Apple takes measures to prevent unauthorised repairs. TheArtofRepair channel on YouTube was among the first to face a new 'feature' that Apple has recently introduced: battery replacement in the newest iPhones triggering a warning message saying "Unable to verify this iPhone has a genuine Apple battery". This disables the battery health analysis further damaging the longevity of the iPhone, unless the battery can be authenticated to the iPhone at an Apple store. Authentication can only be performed with Apple's repair and calibration software which Apple has so far not made available for independent repair shops. The official communication is that Apple keeps control of this over fears of catastrophic battery failure.

Low Quality Accessories: Apple Is Yet to Fix Their Chargers

If you have owned an Apple phone, it will come as no surprise that the cables break easily and it is likely that you have had at least double the amount of charging cables. Apple charging cables are a nightmare for consumers. With daily use, cables fray and the contacts start to wear off, and the cost of £19 per cable over the course of owning an iPhone adds up fast. However, from a design perspective they are sleek, simple and follow the design-first directive that is fundamental to Apple.

The iPhone maker has rejected the recent EU proposal to introduce unified chargers for smartphones. Apple's opinion on common charging cables is that they stifle innovation rather than encourage it, and would harm consumers in Europe and the economy as a whole. We interpret this as millions of dollars that Apple is making in revenue by selling poor quality chargers is an obstacle Apple is not ready to overcome to reduce e-waste, which is another contradiction to maintaining a healthy environment.

Apple have also made a decision to no longer supply charging bricks with iPhone 12 series and positioned this move as an effort to fight the growing amounts of e-waste. If you have previously owned an iPhone, you most likely have a charging adaptor, but their's a caveat. Only iPhone 11 charging bricks are compatible with the iPhone 12 series, and unless you're upgrading from an iPhone 11, you will need to spend additional money to buy the adaptor which will come in its own packaging, has its own carbon footprint and needs to be delivered to you separately. We don't need to do any advanced math to conclude that this green move by Apple does more harm than good.

What are the carbon emissions of my iPhone?

iPhone carbon emissions differ greatly by internal storage capacity, and we have ranked every single iPhone ever made and its CO2 in a table below:

Will an iPhone Ever Be Eco-Friendly?

Over the past few years, scientists, environmental organisations and climate activists have been pushing for a change in consumer behaviour and encouraging corporations to implement environmentally ethical practices. While we see many iPhones being traded in and given a second life through Compare and Recycle and Apple cares about the environment to some extent, at a global scale every manufactured iPhone continues to harm the environment.

With Apple's resources, iPhones have the potential to be the most ethical smartphones. Currently, there's no 100% green way to buy a new iPhone, but we can change our behaviour and stick to the greenest smartphone: the one you currently own. If you genuinely need a new phone, follow our advice on how to upgrade with less impact on the environment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In comparison to other smartphone manufacturers, Apple is more environmentally focused and already incorporates a few necessary steps to make iPhones environmentally friendly. But the measures Apple is taking are only a fraction of what can be done and at a global scale iPhones are bad for the environment.

# data[].attributes.body
There are plenty of smartphone apps that help you quickly and easily identify flora and fauna, record your findings and learn more about them

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
12 Apps That Will Turn You Into a Nature Expert

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The path to becoming a savvy naturalist is clear.

# data[].attributes.body
Exclusion from the Internet increasingly results in lack of access to essential services and utilities.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Internet access in the country is divided based on class and region; only 50.4% of the rural population has access to the internet, more than 10 million people in rural areas in 2020 did not have mobile phones, and around 55% of lower-income Mexicans are unable to access the Internet due to prohibitive costs. "I became interested in the question of what is the moral relevance of the Internet in general."

Reglitz views free Internet access in both a logistical and political sense, meaning citizens should not be arbitrarily interfered with in the digital domain such as through state surveillance and censorship, private company data collection for unethical profit maximization, and via attacks on net neutrality, which is the that users control what they do and see online, not Internet providers.

Political interference in determining Internet access and content is on the rise. reached a new high in 2022 - there were 187 instances across 35 countries, including 84 in India, and 22 by Russian forces in Ukraine. People in Ethiopia's region suffered one of the longest shutdowns ever recorded between 2020 and 2022. There have consistently been shutdowns across Myanmar since the in 2021. Amid a protest by Indian farmers in 2021, the Indian government blocked Internet access in several districts of the country. Additionally, 60% of India's shutdowns in 2022 occurred in Kashmir, a region that has been the site of an ongoing ethnic conflict and political instability. Citizens in have experienced intermittent blackouts in 2022 after nationwide protests over the death of Mahsa Amini, with people reportedly being unable to access WhatsApp and Instagram. The head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, stated that he hoped Iran's "right to be online" would be reinstated quickly.

High-income democracies are not immune from state interference either, says Reglitz. "I'm hoping to provide a lens through which to understand many of the things that are going on, be it surveillance capitalism, be it net neutrality, be it NSA and GCHQ spying on citizens, but also misinformation and conspiracy theories. They all matter in terms of free Internet access and what states, public authorities, and companies should do about these problems to keep Internet access free from unjustifiable interference."

# data[].attributes.body
Or in simpler terms, each query on ChatGPT consumes the equivalent amount of energy of running a 5W LED bulb for 1hr 2omin!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Wherever we see around today, we've been surrounded by AI in digital media and devices.

Now it helps most students ace their homework in a matter of minutes, engineers debug code or even content creation (who knows, the next version of this blog could be generated by AI 😅).

But there is a catch. This really pushes us to be creative in our respective fields to stay relevant in the age of AI.

We wanted to see if this Generative AI is energy intensive i.e. how much energy ChatGPT (Generative Pretrained Transformer) introduced by OpenAI is consuming?

Everything we search online is bound to consume some energy, right from our Google search to the latest series we stream on OTT. Because our internet searches are run on servers, which are a stack of hardware devices communicating with each other, matching with the right options on the web and displaying it for us.

In fact, here's the consumption of a Google search as mentioned in our blog earlier:

So how much does ChatGPT consume for a query then?

To start with, we asked ChatGPT itself. Easy, isn't it?

But this is what it threw up. A long essay with difficult words to circumvent and no clear answer.

Here's a brief of how ChatGPT works

ChatGPT's AI model has been trained on various types of content and data. It was reportedly trained with 175 billion parameters!!
And it states that energy-efficient modelling hasn't been completely implemented yet.

These models are usually trained on processors like Nvidia V100 GPUs, known to consume intense energy of about 300W as per its datasheet. For comparison, it is the equivalent power rating of 5 ceiling fans combined.

It also says that it has been trained for data till September 2021. So, if you go ahead and ask any question relevant to the latest stats, it may not be able to give you an answer. In fact, we tried asking a question and this is what it showed up

As per this research paper, it took 405 V100 years to train the GPT-3 model or in other terms for 1 V100 GPU, it would take 405 years.

So, the energy consumption train the GPT-3 model is
300W (V100 GPU power consumption)* 24hrs per day* 365 days per year * 405 years = 1,064,340,000 Wh or nearly 1064 MWh

It doesn't stop at how much energy was used to train the model but also how much energy is being used to run the model every time a question is asked on its platform.

For any platform to operate search requests, it would require servers to operate. As per the article by Semianalysis, OpenAI requires about ~ 3617 HGX A100 servers. Each server is known to consume about 3000W. And ChatGPT is estimated to receive 195mn queries as per the article (15 responses*13mn active daily users).

So that means, the energy consumption to satisfy search requests for a given day = 3617 (HGX A100 servers) * 3000W * 24 hrs = 260,424,000 Wh or 260.42 MWh

In order to satisfy these 195mn queries, ChatGPT has been trained with 1064 MWh + run on servers by consuming energy of 260.42 MWh per day.

So, for each query, the energy consumed is = (1064+260.42) MWh / 195 mn = 6.79 Wh ***

Or in simpler terms, each query on ChatGPT consumes the equivalent amount of energy of running a 5W LED bulb for 1hr 2omin!

Think about what could be the consumption if it starts onboarding more users with this architecture.

So, the impetus now should be on making such platforms energy efficient and also the source of energy supply to be environment friendly, isn't it?

It's a pleasure to share such information with you because we believe sharing and understanding such information will make this world a better place. Please do let us know your thoughts in the comments below and share this article with those you feel would find it useful.
We are Zodhya, a start-up that provides AI-based devices to reduce energy bills and optimise your energy consumption at zero investment in commercial buildings and establishments. Please do visit us on the and maybe tell your friends about it too. It will go a long way in keeping our environment managed better.
**We tried to arrive at the estimate with the best of the public resources we've got. Open to any comments that guide to better estimates and in turn, better knowledge for our readers.

***As one of our readers pointed out, it is unwise to divide energy consumed for training ChatGPT (1064 MWh) over just a number of queries in 1 day. Because the same trained algorithms can be reused multiple times over days. As it is tough to keep count of ChatGPT queries over time, we suggest taking 1064 MWh as the One-time Energy consumption for training and 260.42 MWh/day as the running energy consumption to satisfy queries over a single day (24hrs). These numbers could keep changing over time as ChatGPT comes up with new versions. This blog is only an attempt to give an idea of energy consumption in such world-changing applications.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Now it helps most students ace their homework in a matter of minutes, engineers debug code or even content creation (who knows, the next version of this blog could be generated by AI 😅). But there...

# data[].attributes.headline
iNaturalist turns students into scientists

# data[].attributes.subject
iNaturalist turns students into scientists

# data[].attributes.body
Classes learning about species conservation and biodiversity could use iNaturalist to expand classroom learning. Make scientific research relevant by encouraging your students to contribute to real research projects

# data[].attributes.headline
Creators protect their own family more than others from tech the make. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Creators protect their own family more than others from tech the make. 

# data[].attributes.body
For example, Chamath Palihapitiya ( former VP of user growth at Facebook) doesn’t allow his own kids to use tech.

# data[].attributes.headline
Tech Leaders are more strict than others when it comes to technology.

# data[].attributes.subject
Tech Leaders are more strict than others when it comes to technology.

# data[].attributes.body
Tony Fadell, inventor of the iPod, said" We’ve unleashed a beast, but there’s a lot of unintended consequences" stating that these leaders don't know the long-term effect these technologies will have on us. What concerns me is how cautious they are with their own families and yet, when they are at work their mindset shifts and they only think about how they can profit and keep people addicted.

# data[].attributes.body
"50% of parents reported that mobile devices typically interrupted the time they spent with their children 3 or more times each day; only 11% reported that mobile devices did NOT interrupt their time with their children."

A way to solve this could be to give kids a phone at an older age and tell them not to be on their phones during certain times to promote being engaged in whatever activity they are doing.

# data[].attributes.headline
Creators only care about profit while knowing the effects.

# data[].attributes.subject
Creators only care about profit while knowing the effects.

# data[].attributes.body
The people who create the tech such as Steve Jobs (Creator of Apple) don't allow their own kids to use the products because they know how it effects people yet they do nothing about it, as they only care about the profit.

# data[].attributes.body
With technology becoming more prominent, the need for social interaction will decline. More and more people use technology to setup doctor's appointments and ordering pizza rather than face to face interaction.
A way to avoid this is to limit yourself from using apps like this by creating app restrictions. It will limit screen time in general as well.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
It's no surprise that the world is becoming increasingly digital, but the current pace of digitization is astonishing. From AI chatbots to dating apps, tech is the new real life.

We do our shopping online, build our businesses online, spend our downtime online, and even make life-long friends online. As of 2022, 66 percent of the global population were active internet users (Statista). Bringing us closer to commodities, the internet is set to become an even bigger part of our lives. But can technology help improve social interaction skills?

Technology is a fast-paced market, and every pioneer is in a race for first place on the podium. New innovations are piloted every day in a desperate attempt to sell what the masses will buy-tools to make our daily lives easier. As older generations warm to the idea of utilizing technology in the face of a pandemic, we move eerily closer to a world where social interaction is primarily digital.
How is your org impacted by technology?
Get insights with our freecompany culture climate survey template!
But should we look at this as a positive or negative change? Will human interaction strengthen or suffer as a result of new communication technologies? In this article we will explore the good, the bad, and the ugly truth of technology's impact on social interaction.

THE GOOD

There is no denying that the internet has had a positive impact on human communication. Compared to pre-internet times, we are now more connected than ever before. Here are some of the ways that technology has a positive effect on social interaction.
Instant global communication
How can technology affect social media? Most of us now have the means to contact people on the other side of the world immediately. No waiting for the postman, messenger pigeon, or message in a bottle-technology has broken down the communication barriers that distance once presented. It is a phenomenon that is commonly referred to as globalization.
Virtual connections
Let's look at how technology affects human relationships. Video calling apps like Skype and Zoom mean people can now experience emotional connections without having to be in the same room. This has been especially important throughout the coronavirus crisis, where families from separate households were forced to stay apart. The day the UK lockdown was announced, Zoom was downloaded 2.13m times around the world-up from 56,000 a day two months earlier.

147 minutes: The average time internet users worldwide spent daily on social media in 2022.... Click To Tweet
Online dating
Technology has also made finding love much easier, with online dating increasing in popularity. A report released last year predicted that more than 50% of couples will meet online by 2035. The same report found 47% of people believe online dating makes it easier for introverted people to find love.
Barrier-free interaction
Similarly, people who would otherwise have limited social interaction now have the option to be part of online communities. People with disabilities can forget about their physical boundaries inside a video game universe, while socially anxious people can gain confidence by practicing interaction over the internet instead of face to face. Sending messages allows people the time to process information and formulate a response, whereas face to face is more immediate. On the other hand, this isn't always a good thing.

THE BAD

Of course, as with everything, there is another angle to consider. How does technology affect our social lives negatively? Some would argue that the more anonymous and less immediate interaction associated with digital communication is bad news. Behind the screens of smartphones and the keyboards of computers, there are also more chances for deception-particularly for vulnerable people. Here are some of the ways the technology has a negative impact on social interaction.
Decreased human contact
More and more people are beginning to rely on technology to communicate with their loved ones, friends and associates. The coronavirus lockdown that forced millions of people to work from home also accelerated online communication tools-meaning we get even less human contact than ever before. As of July 2020, 58% of customer interactions were digital.

As remote working becomes the norm, transactional processes are automated with self-service machines too. For many, this can theoretically be a good thing, but it also highlights how technology affects our communication negatively. The same ease of technological-driven interactions leaves some groups behind. The increase in the use of technology to communicate could also cause a rise in loneliness, especially among elderly people who may rely on these transactional encounters as their primary source of social contact.
Are your customers satisfied with your communication? Find out! A rise in bullying
Technology has also made cyberbullying possible, and children are now particularly vulnerable to harassment online. While cyberbullying is a worry for children, it is also becoming a common challenge among adults too. Results from a YouGov poll conducted last year showed that a quarter of adults have experienced cyberbullying. Given the disheartening rise in suicide among victims of cyberbullying, it is clear to see that technology is not always a healthy source of social interaction.
Online deception
Catfishing is the practice of creating a fake online identity with intent to manipulate, stalk, or abuse a specific victim. It has become a scarily common activity among dating sites and social media platforms and is the subject of a popular MTV reality TV show. A 2018 survey saw 9% respondents say that being catfished had affected their mental health.
A platform for predators
Technology has also provided a platform for online predators to pursue their victims. And as UK schools closed during the coronavirus lockdown, children were on their devices a lot more often and faced with a sudden drop in social interaction. While there is not yet any overwhelming evidence to suggest the pandemic caused an increase in predatory activity online, The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) has said reports to their CyberTipline increased by 106% during the first months of the pandemic.

The ugly truth

Whether we see it in a positive or negative light, or even a mixture of the two, the truth of the matter is that technology has had a huge impact on the way we communicate with each other. While it allows us to make instant connections with people on the other side of the world, it also puts us at risk of loneliness, as well as new forms of harassment and manipulation.

But as new technologies are unveiled to the world, new cybersecurity regulations and other tech safety measures are likely to be put in place, too. These aren't likely to protect everyone from the negative effects of technology, but it also rests on our own shoulders to use the internet with caution. Equally, it is our own responsibility to ensure we get enough real-life human contact in our daily lives, in addition to digital social interaction.

Ready to put technology to work for you? See how Sogolytics can help with a !

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How Has Technology Affected Social Interaction? - Sogolytics Blog

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
How is technology affecting social interaction? The truth: technology brings us closer together, but can also drive us further apart.