Look Ahead
Ready — When we think of industrial innovation, names like Edison and Ford often come to mind. Hidden in the shadows of the 19th century, however, is Mary Walton. Her work continues to impact our world today, even though her name is forgotten.
Set — A New York-based inventor in the 1870s, Walton tackled one of the growing problems of her era: industrial pollution. As cities grew and factories multiplied, smoke from chimneys blackened the skies, while the rumble of elevated trains disrupted urban life. Rather than accept the noise and filth as the price of progress, Walton asked a powerful question: Isn’t there a better way?
As she sought to answer that question, Walton . . .
Tamed the Smoke: She invented a device that reduced airborne emissions from locomotives, residential and industrial chimneys by directing smoke through water tanks, neutralizing harmful pollutants.
Silenced the City: In 1881, she developed a noise-reduction system for New York’s elevated trains. By insulating the tracks with sand-filled boxes, she reduced the echoing clatter in urban neighborhoods.
Thought Ahead: Walton secured patents for both inventions and earned praise from the press and peers alike. Her designs were purchased by factories to reduce pollution decades before environmental laws were enacted.
Improved Health: Not only did her inventions remove the dark cloud over cities, but they reduced cancer-causing coal smoke. The health of countless individuals was improved.
Grow! — Walton saw the consequences of unchecked progress and found creative, sustainable solutions years before the term environmentalism was coined. She made a difference by looking ahead with a clear-eyed view of the problems.
Two Questions
What problems or issues do you need to address this week?
How might you innovate for the long-term health of your organization, not just the immediate benefit?