Talking About Green

Most people want to work harder to embrace an eco-consciousness and live in an environmentally friendly manner, but many fear the attendant price tag.  It’s no wonder, considering that green products and services have been notoriously expensive in the past.  However, with more awareness of issues like global warming, climate change, deforestation, habitat loss, and a million other environmental problems, there has been a growing demand for harvesting, manufacturing, and distribution that is sustainable and less wasteful.  The result is that we now enjoy a much broader market and lower prices for these goods and services.  So if you’re looking for ways to go green that will save you money, here are a few to try.  Some of them are even free!

1.       Recycling.  If you live in a state where recycling is mandatory, all you have to do is throw your glass, aluminum, and plastic in a bag and leave it out for pickup once a week.  Otherwise, you can get the same results by taking loads of these items to the recycling plant for processing.  It may cost you something to get there (transportation), but considering you can actually get money back for these items, you will likely find your costs offset.  You could even make a little pocket change in the process.  And if your neighbors don’t recycle, offer to take their items along with yours.

2.       Hybrid, electric, and alternative-fuel vehicles.  Transportation, or more specifically exhaust from transportation, is directly to blame for a lot of environmental issues (mainly global warming).  But you can do your part to cut your carbon footprint by choosing a vehicle that runs on less fuel, no fuel, or cleaner-burning alternatives like biodiesel or ethanol.  The sticker prices on these vehicles are coming down and you’ll definitely save at the pump.  An even better idea is to take public transportation and walk or bike whenever possible (no car means no cost for gas, parking, registration, or insurance, as well as no cost to the environment).

3.       Conservation.  Cutting back on energy and water consumption is essential to preserving our environment and extending the life of our resources.  To use less energy, purchase energy-star appliances, install CFLs (compact fluorescent bulbs), and set your thermostat on a timer.  As for water, low-flow toilets, aerated faucets, and a tankless water heater are the way to go.  Many of these items come with rebates or cash back from the utility companies, as well as government incentives, and all will show a return on your utility bills.

4.       Alternative energy.  Installing a system of grid-connected solar panels that will create enough energy to power your home could cost you as much as $20,000.  That’s a pretty big chunk of change and it certainly appears to cost you instead of saving.  But that’s just the initial expenditure.  You are likely eligible for government incentives (such as a tax write-off) that will help you to recoup some of the cost.  And you won’t be paying electric bills for your home; over the life of a 30-year mortgage, you could almost make back what you spent.  But there’s more.  If you live in a particularly sunny climate, you could sell excess power to the grid, actually earning money.  The same could be said for wind and water power as well, depending where you live.

5.       Eating organic.  Okay, so this is probably going to be a bit more expensive.  But when you think about the cost of visits to the doctor and the potential for serious diseases (like cancer) brought on by ingesting chemicals with your food (from pesticides, fertilizers, and preservatives, for example), you could save a lot of money and heartache even as you do what’s right for the health of our planet.

Sarah Danielson writes for Totally Money where you can find information on financial products and browse through important information like 0 percent credit cards.