Going Green While Saving Green: Some of Our Best Tips
Some experts say it costs too much to be eco-friendly. But we prove that's a lie with dozens of ways to save money – and the Earth.
Are Americans seeing red over going green? For the past three years, the media have been predicting the demise of the eco-friendly movement. From BusinessWeek touting “Little Green Lies” in 2007 to USA Today declaring “Going Green Can Cost Too Much Green” in 2009 to AdWeek announcing “Thumbs Down on Corporate Green Efforts” last month, the so-called experts have been predicting a going-green backlash that has yet to sprout.
The latest evidence: A survey this month from Fortune 100 conglomerate Honeywell, titled “Americans Chose Comfort Over Saving Money and ‘Going Green.’” It claimed…
Most people agree that saving money and being “green” are important – until 100 degree temperatures are involved. Survey findings following one of the hottest summers on record found nearly two thirds of American consumers chose comfort over cost savings and conserving energy when temperatures spiked.
But I dispute the notion that going green means making sacrifices. True, generating solar electricity is expensive, as is upgrading to the latest energy-saving home appliances. But the simple fact is that not only is it possible to spend less while helping the environment – it’s likely. For example, buying used is friendly to both the earth and your budget.
Over the last several years, Money Talks News has highlighted plenty of ways that going green can also mean saving green.
- This summer, we talked about ways of frugally fighting the summer heat, while conserving electricity: see 13 Cool Tips for Lower Energy Bills.
- For tips on keeping your lawn green while saving green, see 11 Tips for a Less Expensive Lawn.
- Heck, grow fruits and veggies instead of grass: Home Gardens Reduce Food Costs.
- And save some trees while you’re at it: Saving Green: Paperwork.
- By now, you’ve saved on air and earth and trees, now try water: Are You A “Water Waster”?
- Let’s move inside: “Green Out” Your Kitchen.
- And redecorate: Eco-Friendly Interior Design.
- When you decide to get out of the house, Eco-Hotels Make Green Vacations.
- Even marriage can be eco-conscious with Environmental Weddings.
- Going green can also be fun: Saving Green: Entertainment.
- And finally, here’s my favorite story, which explodes all the lies against going green: Eco-Saving Myths Busted.
After spending years researching the topic, I can tell you this: Saving money ecologically is logical. Being environmentally friendly doesn’t have to mean spending more. Don’t believe anyone who says different.
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