Top Tech Voices Podcast S2 E2: Sustainable Tech & Innovations for a Greener Planet

To be honest, although I though this episode was interesting, I enjoyed the first episode between Dr Jack Lewis and Georgia Anderson, AI consultant, more enlightening.  Fionn Ferreira came across as very smart, creative and concerned, but limited by his group of influencers.  He very much wants to make a difference, and he is, but limits his scope to only a small part of the problem.  As an example, what do we do with all the micro-plastic after we have filtered and collected it?  Do we burn it (i.e. the current method of deposing of unwanted waste) and releasing the byproducts into the air.  I’m not saying we shouldn’t clean up the mess we have created, but we need a total solution. 

I knew a guy in college, like Fionn, who as his goal would design and build very complex project every month.  In most cases, he could explain how they work better than our instructors, but he never graduated.  He was too busy in his own world.  I wish Fionn and his team success in their goals but wonder what they could do if they expanded their vision.

To be honest, although I though this episode was interesting, I enjoyed the first episode between Dr Jack Lewis and Georgia Anderson, AI consultant, more enlightening.  Fionn Ferreira came across as very smart, creative and concerned, but limited by his group of influencers.  He very much wants to make a difference, and he is, but limits his scope to only a small part of the problem.  As an example, what do we do with all the micro-plastic after we have filtered and collected it?  Do we burn it (i.e. the current method of deposing of unwanted waste) and releasing the byproducts into the air.  I’m not saying we shouldn’t clean up the mess we have created, but we need a total solution. 

I knew a guy in college, like Fionn, who as his goal would design and build very complex project every month.  In most cases, he could explain how they work better than our instructors, but he never graduated.  He was too busy in his own world.  I wish Fionn and his team success in their goals but wonder what they could do if they expanded their vision.

gordonmx said:

As an example, what do we do with all the micro-plastic after we have filtered and collected it?  Do we burn it (i.e. the current method of deposing of unwanted waste) and releasing the byproducts into the air.

Sadly this is what has been happening for decades. You pay someone to collect it and then pay someone who either burns it or dumps it into the oceans. You then have to pay someone to clean up the oceans where it becomes infinitely harder and more expensive than if you had just kept hold of it in the first place.

I agree that its needs acknowledged that a solution is needed with collected micro-plastic recycle, but it shouldn't be a road block. 

I know engineers in the recycle business that started out without a total solution implemented - because funds from collecting the recycled components was used to finish the process concurrently. 

I disagree that we need a total solution before we start addressing the problem.

"A journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step." - Laozi     I like the laser focus recommendation.  Too many initiatives fails to even start because of "scope creep".  Energy is squandered on details so far down the line that - once again - nothing gets done.  I think one of Fionn's points is to advance the issue how you can and let the next person - the person who has a passion for that phase of the issue - pick it up from there.  I hear him say "I don't have to fix everything, but I have to fix what I can."

I also kind of chuckle at the guy that says to focus on a niche is involved in so many things.  I think he's a "solution evangelist".  He's trying to energize people to do something with their lives.  As for the guy in college... Gates, Jobs, Dell, Branson... passion can create more success than education.  I think Fionn knows this.