A Benefit of Sustainability that Gets Too Little Notice: Innovation — Environmental Protection

A Benefit of Sustainability that Gets Too Little Notice Innovation

When we talk about the many benefits of sustainability, we often overlook something: innovation.

When we talk about the many benefits of sustainability, we often overlook something: innovation. Sustainability has helped industries around the world introduce new products that use less energy, fuel, and water, reduce carbon emissions and waste, and cut costs.

I witnessed this firsthand not too long ago. I had the opportunity to attend a large classic-car show. These cars dated back to the 1920s through the 1960s. Many of them were just beautiful, and of course, their owners made sure they were so glossy, you had to wear sunglasses to look at them.

However, I noticed something else. The engines in many of these cars were massive. The cars themselves were enormous, some weighing over 5,000 pounds. It reminded me that at one time, the amount of fuel these cars consumed was not even an afterthought.

However, everything changed after the oil crisis of the 1970s. Many of the classic cars on display were Cadillacs. Sales of large Cadillacs and similar large cars ground to a halt after the oil crisis. Gas prices soared. Concerns mounted that the world would soon run out of fuel. Sustainability kicked into action, and with it, innovation.

When comparing the engines of the automobiles we have today with those made just 30 years ago, there is no question which ones are “greener.” Today’s engines are more fuel efficient, using far less gas or no gas at all. The cars are lighter, allowing them have better gas mileage, but in many ways stronger, and certainly safer than those made years ago. Sustainability went into action, and innovation followed.

Stop and Look

Georgia O’Keeffe, one of America’s most famous painters, is quoted as saying we must all take the time to “stop and look.” She believed people were in such a rush all the time that unless they stopped and looked, they would miss out on all the beauty in the world. When it comes to sustainability and innovation in action, we also should stop and look. It’s everywhere.