WIRED TO WASTE ARE OUR SMART HOMES ENVIRONMENTALLY DUMB?

As the world scrambles for sustainable solutions to counter climate change and rising energy demands, smart homes have emerged as the face of modern eco-living.

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With Alpowered lighting, app-controlled appliances, and voice-activated systems, these homes are marketed as the perfect fusion of technology and environmental responsibility.

But beneath the sleek interfaces and "green" labels lies a deeper question: Are smart homes truly sustainable, or are they simply a cleverly packaged illusion of eco-consciousness?

GOA'S SHIFT TO "SMART LIVING"

Goa, once synonymous with heritage homes and susegad lifestyles, is witnessing a housing revolution. Upscale locales like Assagao, Anjuna, Dona Paula, and Siolim now feature luxury villas equipped with loT ecosystems, solar panels, and climate automation.

These properties promise sustainability without compromising luxury appealing to affluent locals and urban migrants alike. Yet, the reality is more complicated than the marketing pitch.

THE HIDDEN COST OF CONSTANT CONNECTIVITY

Smart homes rely on 24/7 connectivity. AI airconditioners, motion detectors, voice assistants, and smart TVs all consume electricity even on standby.

According to the International Energy Agency, nearly half of future appliance electricity use could stem from connected devices. For Goa, which already faces power challenges during peak seasons, the surge in digital consumption adds pressure to an already strained grid.

E-Waste: The Silent Polluter Every smart bulb, camera, or hub has a shelf life and when they fail, they become ewaste. With rapid tech obsolescence, these devices are often unrepairable or incompatible with newer systems.