There is no exaggeration in saying that we are on the verge of a global climate emergency. Our global temperature has been rising consistently in the past decades. Sea level continues to raise as iceberg melts. As a result, the rising temperature causes the coral reef to bleach and alters our ecosystem.

From marine life suffering from the plastic crisis to carbon pollution generated from the presence of vehicle smoke emission, we have now entered the worst phase of global pollution known to mankind.

To counteract these issues, it is essential we look for sources of renewable energy. Some examples of green energies include solar panels, wind turbines, alternative fuel for resources conservation. Innovators have developed some environmentally friendly products that minimize the adverse effects of pollution and have invented ways and means known as green technologies for fighting and possibly reversing the issue.

Let’s take a look at the latest green technologies for 2020, that can be the gamer changer of green movements this year:

Plant-based Plastics

Solving the problem of non-biodegradable pollution, plant-based plastics come with a practical approach as they are also edible. From corn, potato starch, to coffee bean waste, these plant-based material are becoming popular substitute to plastic. It takes around 3 months to 3 years for the plant-based plastic to decompose fully depending on the different factors such as moisture content and temperature of environment.

Nuclear Fusion

Around one tenth of our earth’s electricity is generated by nuclear fission. Nuclear fission involves the process of heavier nucleus splitting into smaller atoms, releasing energy. One downside of using nuclear fission is that radioactive pollutants are some of the by-products. On the other hand, nuclear fusion is the process of smaller atoms pressured into a bigger atom, producing energy during the process. The process of nuclear fusion does not create long-lasting pollutants similar to the process of nuclear fission. Therefore, scientists have been trying to develop ways to replace nuclear fission with nuclear fusion to minimize nuclear waste over the last decades. It can change the way we look at nuclear energy as a renewable energy source.

Pineapple Leather

Livestocks contribute up to 18% of all global greenhouse gases. Their skins are often used to make leathers as by-products. What if we can create a  new type of leather that is so long-lasting while we do not need to raise and kill any animals? A company based in the Philippines, Ananas Anam, has made Pinatex, a textile made from the leaves of pineapple as a substitute to leather.

Air Carbon

AirCarbon is another innovative type of environmentally friendly material that was invented by Newlight Technologies.  They are one of the very first innovators who “turned greenhouse gases into useful material”. Click here to read more about how their technology works. This material can be used as a replacement of plastic, reducing the amount of plastic that goes into landfill or our ocean every day.

Edible Water

Another newest green technologies for 2020 is Edible water. The basic goal behind this interesting idea is to minimize the use of plastic in manufacturing products. The seaweed membrane not only holds the water but is also edible, making it highly practical to use.

Click here to read more about the 5 practical ways to reduce food waste at home.