RFID helps track endangered species, improve recycling and reduce emissions

More than 1,000 animal species are endangered worldwide. The volume of electronic waste now equals packaging waste. And C02 emissions are on the rise.

RFID is already alleviating all these problems on a small scale. As the technology develops and is adopted more widely, the benefits are bound to increase.

Researchers, for example, need to learn more about endangered animals and their habits in order to influence policy decisions on land use and preservation. Scientists are tagging wild animals with RFID in order to study their movements over huge areas of land.

Reducing electronic waste

According to an environmental protection group, we generate some 20 to 50 million tonnes of electronic waste every year. As we upgrade our electronic equipment more frequently, we throw away more televisions, mobile phones, computers and DVD players than ever before. Electronic waste, often called e-waste, now makes up 5 percent of all municipal solid waste worldwide – most of it could be recycled.

Transportation fuels account for 14 percent of annual greenhouse gas emissions, and gas prices are higher than ever. With RFID, companies can manage their fleets more effectively, saving fuel and reducing emissions.

In many ways, therefore, RFID is contributing to the conservation of our environment.