Why Is it Good to Go Green?
"Go green" has become a very popular slogan in the marketplace. The phrase refers to sustainability and taking steps to protect and preserve the environment. There are many advantages to adapting to a green lifestyle. Whether it is saving money, reducing the carbon footprint or boosting the economy, going green can benefit both people and the environment. Does this Spark an idea?
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Save money
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By conserving electricity, properly insulating your home, and cutting down on purchases of excess goods you can save a lot of money. According to Energy Star, a simple switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs "will save about $30 over its lifetime and pay for itself in about six months. It uses 75 percent less energy and lasts about 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb."
Buying in bulk and purchasing less luxury goods such as lattes, soft drinks, fast food, toys, magazines and DVDs will result in a reduction in packaging--as much as 80 percent in some cases, according to Waste Age--and create less air pollution caused by shipping and transportation. There are also tax benefits to "going green" such as federal tax credits for energy efficient homes and hybrid car purchases. These changes help to keep carbon dioxide emissions down and less waste out of landfills.
Improve your health
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Walking instead of driving allows for exercise and fresh air, which can help with weight loss, overall cardiovascular health and, according to a Harvard study on walking, helps to prevent certain diseases such as diabetes. Driving less also keeps carbon emissions out of the environment and promotes better air quality. Eating local, organic foods and less meat reduces the use of pesticides, pollution and chemicals, all of which can contribute to illness.
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Help the Economy
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According to the U.S. Recycling Economic Information Study performed by the EPA, green actions such as recycling and reusing items have a positive impact on the economy. The study states "recycling and reuse businesses provide a number of economic benefits, including creating jobs, making investments, and paying taxes." Shifting to a clean energy system will also add more jobs to the economy and cut global warming pollution by 17 percent in 2020 and 80 percent in 2050 if the Climate Bill drafted in May 2010 is passed.
Conserve Natural Resources
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According to the Negative Population Growth Organization, the population is expected to reach approximately 9 billion by the year 2050. This will put a huge strain on many natural resources. Go Green Initiative says "if the world’s natural resources were evenly distributed, people in 2050 will only have 25% of the resources per capita that people in 1950 had." According to The Green Living Expert, "Human consumption of natural resources is too high now and as the population grows, they will become harder to obtain." Conserving resources ensures that future generations will have the same standard of living that past generations have enjoyed.
Save Animals
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The BP oil spill of 2010 is a prime example of how the current lifestyle can negatively affect the environment and wildlife. Natural habitats have been virtually destroyed in places and many animals have died or are suffering due to the spill. Other contaminants such as air pollution harm plants, animals and even entire forests. Deforestation has taken away animal habitats and food sources. Water pollution is poisoning the fish supply and over-fishing has endangered many species. Green choices help keep ecosystems in balance and remove some of the environmental pressures wildlife are currently faced with.
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References
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- Photo Credit green globe on green background image by Brent Walker from Fotolia.com
