Question

Make a list of at least six current technological practices that you consider to not be sustainable and explain why you feel that way.

Answer 1

1. Genetic modification of crops- Crops that are genetically modified are not only detrimental to the health of humans, but they are detrimental to the environment as well. GMO crops have resulted to a huge increase in farming using agricultural chemical that are applied directly to crops. Moreover, there have been cases where GMO crop contamination has been found in non-GMO crop fields, as well as in water and soil systems.

2. Sewage disposal in water bodies- This unsustainable technology not only pollute our shared water supply but wastes the very valuable natural resources contained in our humanure.

3. Thermal power plants- These huge plants use lots of non-renewable resources like coal and other petroleum products to generate electricity. These valuable resources take millions of years to form but with current technology, they are being consumed tremendously.

4. Paper industries- Trees are our best friends, they give us vital oxygen and takes back the greenhouse gas CO₂. Experts indicate that 24 trees are required to produce 1 ton of paper. Thus deforestation is a major cause of degrading environment and an unsustainable practice.

5. Petrol and Diesel Automobiles- Oil is a non-renewable fuel. All petroleum products are produced by oil. Use of petrol and diesel in automobiles has not only consumed these valuable resources but caused a lot of pollution in the environment.

6. Plastic industry- Plastics are used in almost every field nowadays. But most of the present plastics are non-biodegradable and remains in the environment for so many years. This leads to a lot of pollution and is an unsustainable practice.