A few months ago, I became aware of my digital footprint. I got concerned that the digital tools we accustomed ourselves to over the last decade steer us in dangerous directions. They could even trap us there. Ever since I am becoming scrupulous in finding alternatives for myself and I want to share these with you. I am going to explain my principal concerns in this blog post.
Responsible Innovation
Cleantech in Flanders – Insights from Cleantech Connected
Last tuesday iCleantech Flanders organised the Cleantech Connected conference in Brussels. The conference brought regional and international players together to discuss the future of cleantech and the opportunities for Flanders. There were around 250 participants, from industry, intermediary organisations and a few representatives from government and research institutions.
The midnight blurred line
Spend an extended time in the UK or Scandinavia as a non-smoker and it’s easy to forget that smoke plumes once occupied our in-door commons. But in some countries where smoking is banned like Belgium, people systematically continue to smoke where it is prohibited. In 2013, one in four of checked bars were in violation with the smoking ban. Maybe the banning process wasn’t constructive enough or maybe the general public allows hard addicts to cultivate a culture of constant micro-renegotiation.
From Smartphones to Wisephones
The importance of electronic equipment in our lives is growing rapidly. They become smarter and smaller, but the problems around material usage, production and e-waste continue to grow. It’s a problem that is of concern to all of us. Product innovation and a transition to a circular economic model are paramount. Will we as consumers wait until the ideal product comes to market, or can we all start making this transition today?
Merel Claes 