The manufacturing industry is one of the vital sectors in the world. It is the sector that has facilitated the comfortable life that people enjoy in modern life. This is because technology has been embraced by the industry and which in return has contributed to the significant environmental problems that we experience today. It is high time that the manufacturing sector transforms into green so that it benefits the precious planet positively. For a long time, the world has suffered from increased cases of pollution, climate changes, and chronic diseases, which result from the chemicals and materials used by the manufacturing industry.
Definition of Green Manufacturing
Green manufacturing refers to the establishment of excellent operations in a manufacturing field that uses environmentally friendly processes. In simpler terms, you can say it is the greening of the manufacturing industry. In this sense, engineers and workers use natural resources to manufacture products so that their processes do not have adverse effects on the environment. Green manufacturers always use technologies and other practices to minimize the impact of their operations on the environment.
How Green Manufacturing Is Changing the Industry
The manufacturing industry is slowly changing as companies and engineers decide to go green. The change has brought positive impacts to the society. Here are some examples of how green manufacturing is changing the industry.
- Generating Energy from Renewable Resources
Energy such as electricity, fuel, and heat are essential in the modern world. They can be generated from renewable resources such as wind, water, geothermal, solar, hydropower, biogas, among many others. More natural resources are yet to be used to get more energy that can run our companies and many other activities.
- Pollution Reduction
Countries that have embraced green technology have significantly reduced the rate of environmental pollution. Air and water pollution in such countries is not paramount, and this has also helped in the improvement of the health of its citizens. Green manufacturing has reduced gas emissions in greenhouses. A company that incorporates green technology can manage its wastes effectively since recycling is easy.
- Conservation of Natural Resources
Natural resources such as land, water, and air have been affected a lot before green manufacturing was known. Green manufacturing has today enhanced environmental problems such as land management, organic agriculture, and also wildlife conservation.
- Cost-Effective Products
Products manufactured from natural resources are cheap and easy to maintain. They tend to use less energy, and they are not complicated compared to mechanical products. If we make good use of our natural resources, we can come up with products that are cost-effective and will help us save money. Look at how much you spend on fuel for your car. The cost can be cut by making use of green technology and using our natural resources to come up with fuel that will be economical.
The mentioned above are some of the evident examples that show how green manufacturing has impacted the industry positively. Green manufacturing has a lot of benefits both to the manufacturer, the consumer, and the society at large. At the manufacturer level, it helps them to have improved health as they do not get exposed to toxins and other harmful substances. The consumers get to enjoy cost-effective products that are also friendly to their health. On the other hand, society benefits a conducive environment, which boosts their health and improves their living standards.
Conclusion
Green manufacturing has a lot of benefits, and no one can oppose that. Companies across the world should embrace green technology for the sake of society, and they should understand the positive impacts it has on the industry. Young engineers who want to venture into the manufacturing industry should be trained on how to use green technology to improve the sector. Green manufacturing calls for sturdy core skills and knowledge, which should be taught in all the engineering and manufacturing institutions.
