Many people have adopted a misconception that acting upon an eco-consciousness is undeniably expensive, when in fact, nothing could be further from the truth. While you can certainly spend a lot of money to go green (if you want to), you will almost undoubtedly save money in some areas, and even see a financial return on your time, effort, and expenditures. Plus, you don’t have to go all out. Even the little things can make a big difference.
For example, recycling is absolutely free. It costs you nothing to throw a bottle, aluminum can, or paper cup in the recycle bin rather than a trash can (where it will only take up space in a landfill). In fact, recycling small items can actually earn you some money if you save them up and offload them at the recycling center in bulk. That means you are getting cash back on products that would normally be polluting the planet. And there are all sorts of things you can recycle that you may not have considered. By selling your furniture (or giving it away) instead of tossing it, you are not only keeping it out of the trash, you are stopping someone from buying it new (and thereby contributing to an ongoing cycle of production, pollution, and waste). You can also recycle electronics (including computers), although you may have to pay a small fee to do so. Another freebie: your time. Volunteering at a community garden or planting trees will do great things for the Earth and all it takes is a portion of your day.
There are also many ways to lead a more eco-friendly lifestyle with very little expense. One item that many people have recently adopted is the compact fluorescent bulb (CFL). While they do cost a bit more that your standard incandescent bulb, they last much longer and save you money on your electric bill, virtually paying for themselves over time. You can also try eating organic, buying environmentally friendly threads, and driving a hybrid automobile (or biking, or taking public transportation). These may cost you the same as what you are spending on necessities now, or they might be marginally more (although in some cases, such as transportation, you could end up saving a lot).
Now, if you have the money and long to embrace a totally green lifestyle, the sky is the limit. You can build a 100% eco-friendly home from the ground up (natural lighting, concrete, reclaimed wood, solar power, organic garden…the works). It will almost certainly cost you more than the average home (especially if you invest in all the latest bells and whistles), but consider this: many home items come with rebates and government incentives (including energy-star appliances, water-saving devices like low-flow toilets and tankless water heaters, and even solar panels) so you can get some money back on your initial investment. In addition, you will save a lot over time on your utility bills, and if you live in a very sunny (or windy) area, you may even produce excess energy that can be returned to the power company for a profit (not to mention, you’re sharing emission-free energy with others, cutting down on even more waste and pollution).
The truth is, you can definitely put out a lot of greenbacks in the pursuit of keeping our planet clean, but you also stand to make a return on your investment. And there are plenty of little ways to help a lot (without spending a dime). Everything you do to make our planet better, no matter how minute it may seem, will have a big impact over time. And leading by example is always a good way to start others on the right path.
Elise Pollack is a writer for UK Credit Report where you can find information about credit scores and learn how to improve yours.
