The 1980s have been a good transition point for many, when the cult of the American Top 40 went global. One of the hallmarks of this era is the birth of awareness of how we, as consumers, kill the environment from the harmful gases produced by our hair sprays and our vehicles. I still remember being taught in elementary school about how humans and technology are the main source of pollution and how technology cannot survive on its own without its by-product. Currently, we can only look back and shrink at the moment when we care more about the size of our hair than whether what we are doing is damaging the environment or not.

Luckily for us, in recent years, because manufacturers have also taken the path of being aware of their environment. As more and more people show an interest in preserving the earth, so does the demand for companies that support Sustainable Development. Among the giants of car manufacturing, Japanese automaker Honda leads the way with new innovations that don’t compromise on being friendly to nature. So far, the company has introduced models equipped with green technology that meet EURO 4 emission regulations.

Two of the most popular “green” engines released by Honda are the i-DSI engine and the i-VTEC engine.

The i-DSI engine

The i-DSI name stands for Intelligent Sequential Dual Power On. This Honda engine has obtained a certificate of “Excellence in Low Emissions” from the Ministry of Transportation of Japan. The i-DSI is known and appreciated by many for its lightweight, compact, high-performance engine that is packed with plenty of horsepower and ample torque regardless of RPM level. The efficient combustion of this engine at any rpm translates into cleaner exhaust gas emissions.

The i-VTEC engine

Taking its name from its ability to change the valve and timing on its intake and exhaust sides, the VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Elevation Control) engine is praised by many not only for its performance, but also for being a pioneer among other valve mechanisms. The i-VTEC engine can be found in Honda models such as the Civic (for its 1.8 SOHC and 2.0 DOHC models), the Accord (for its 2.4 and 3.0 V6 models), and the CRV. This engine boasts fuel efficiency while delivering optimal performance, burning less fuel and producing fewer pollutants. When many enthusiasts thought there was no way the VTEC could improve, Honda has produced its smarter twin with the i-VTEC, producing a more planet-friendly and globally compatible system.

I feel like as more automakers jump on the wagon of taking care of our mother earth, we are not only given a good choice of which vehicles to buy, but also the opportunity to work for a worthwhile cause. In fact, technology should be leveraged as a means to enhance function without compromising the ecosystem. Technology that blends seamlessly with one’s lifestyle without posing any threat to the environment is definitely a vision worth striving for.