Can Technology Solve Its Own Sustainability Problem?

The technology industry has long been criticized for its environmental impact, from e-waste to energy consumption. But can technology itself provide the solution to these problems? Recent developments in upcycling, web crawling, and chaos engineering suggest that the answer is yes.

Samsung's Galaxy Upcycling program, launched in 2017, promised to breathe new life into old smartphones by turning them into smart home devices, baby monitors, or even Linux computers. However, the program's execution fell short of its promise, and it has since faded into obscurity. Despite this setback, the idea of upcycling remains an intriguing one, particularly in the context of the growing problem of e-waste.

On the other hand, the field of web crawling has seen significant advancements in recent years. Crawling a billion web pages in just over 24 hours, as demonstrated by a recent experiment, is a testament to the power of modern computing. This achievement has important implications for search engines, data analysis, and artificial intelligence.

However, the true test of technology's sustainability lies in its ability to adapt to changing circumstances. This is where chaos engineering comes in. By simulating real-world network conditions and testing system resilience, chaos engineering can help identify and mitigate potential failures. A recent project, inspired by Netflix's Chaos Monkey, has developed a distributed chaos engineering platform for load testing video conferencing systems.

But what about the human side of sustainability? As companies prioritize security and efficiency, they often overlook the impact on their employees. The installation of a single turnstile, as described in one company's security overhaul, may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can have a significant effect on employee productivity and morale.

In the context of computer science education, the "missing semester" of tool proficiency is a critical aspect of sustainability. As AI-enabled and AI-enhanced tools become more prevalent, it is essential that students learn to master these tools to solve complex problems efficiently.

In conclusion, technology has the potential to solve its own sustainability problem, but it requires a multifaceted approach. By exploring innovative solutions like upcycling, web crawling, and chaos engineering, and by prioritizing human-centered design, we can create a more sustainable and efficient tech industry.

Sources:

• Samsung Upcycle Promise
• The Missing Semester of Your CS Education – Revised for 2026
• Show HN: Chaos Monkey but for Audio Video Testing (WebRTC and UDP)
• Crawling a billion web pages in just over 24 hours, in 2025
• We installed a single turnstile to feel secure