March 2022

Our first Karma concept is ephemeralization (also known as dematerialization).

Ephemeralization describes the ability, through time, of technological progress to allow us to do more with less.

As a frequent byproduct of innovation, ephemeralization is all around us. Innovations that further it reduce our environmental footprint, often substantially.

A great example is the iPhone.

Before the iPhone's release in 2007, the world was filled with many more, for example, alarm clocks, GPS devices, music players, newspapers, calendars, flashlights, cameras, calculators, printers, desktop computers, and so on. For many of us, these have all been replaced with just one device.

In addition, life used to require many more visits to the bank, post office, and insurance agent. Each of these required cars and gas to get to buildings requiring electrical wiring and insulation. These trips are now fewer and further between.

Humans will always consume resources. There is karma in reducing these amounts.

To improve both the environment and the lives of those in it is a worthwhile mission.