The Hidden Cost of AI: Who’s Paying the Bill?

Hi Reader,

Last week at the farm stand, I overheard two people say, “We should just get rid of AI.—because of the environmental issues it’s causing.”

It struck me—because while we can’t stop the train, we can talk about the tracks it’s running on.

Here’s the reality:

• Data centers that power AI and cloud computing use massive amounts of electricity and water.
• In many regions, that strain shows up in higher utility bills for ratepayers—everyday families and small businesses.
• It isn’t just electricity. Data centers also consume staggering amounts of water—draining rivers and reservoirs to stay cool.

Some activists argue AI shouldn’t expand at all if it comes at this cost.

Others point out that AI is already helping farmers grow more efficiently and small business owners (like me) save time on editing, brainstorming, marketing, and even writing.

The truth is—both sides have a point.

So, I’d love to hear your perspective:

• Have you noticed your own utility bills going up—and do you think tech companies should carry more of that cost?
• Do you believe AI’s benefits are worth the environmental trade-offs?
• If you could wave a wand, what’s the one change—policy, technology, or lifestyle—that would make AI growth sustainable in your eyes?

Just hit reply and let me know. I’m genuinely curious where you land on this.

On a very different note—this week’s Green Living Now Podcast is a classic replay with acupuncturist and herbalist Akhil Kaplan. We dive into how Chinese medicine often succeeds where conventional treatments fall short, and why practices like acupuncture and herbal medicine remain so powerful today.

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To listen on all of the major podcast platforms, go here.​

Be well,

Amy