Flying, shopping, or driving? Google just rolled out eco-friendly features to help ease your carbon conscience

Greener nav bar… Google unveiled several new eco-friendly features to help its 1B+ users make more sustainable lifestyle choices. They launch first in the US but will expand to Europe next year. The suite:

• Shop: When searching for a new dishwasher, you might see water-saving models pop up alongside regular results in the Shopping tab.
• Drive: Google Maps will offer an alternative “green leaf” route that shows how much gas you could save with minimal extra time.
• Fly: See how much carbon is emitted in every Google Flights route before booking your next getaway.
• Nest: Google’s thermostat can automatically heat or cool your home based on when renewable energy is available.

Big user base = big responsibility… Google reaches more than 10% of the Earth’s population through its enormous range of hardware products (Pixel phones, robotaxis) and digital tools (Chrome, Android, Google TV). But its wide reach comes at a jolting cost:

• 12.4 terawatts: How much electricity Google uses to keep its network afloat. That’s nearly as much as the Dominican Republic uses, and it’s growing.
• Other tech giants like Facebook and Apple have committed to zero-carbon or carbon-neutral initiatives, but have yet to roll out similar features for users.
• Criticism is mounting against big corporations accused of putting climate responsibility in the hands of individuals instead of their own.